Definition of "header" in English

noun

1. The upper portion of a page (or other) layout.

   • If you reduce the header of this document, the body will fit onto a single page.

2. Text, or other visual information, used to mark off a quantity of text, often titling or summarizing it.

   • Your header is too long; "Local Cannibals" will suffice.

3. Text, or other visual information, that goes at the top of a column of information in a table.

   • That column should have the header "payment status".

4. (informal) A font, text style, or typesetting used for any of the above.

   • Parts of speech belong in a level-three header. Level-two headers are reserved for the name of the language.

5. (computing) The first part of a file or record that describes its contents.

   • The header includes an index, an identifier, and a pointer to the next entry.

6. (programming) Clipping of header file.

7. (networking) the first part of a packet or stream, often containing its address and descriptors.

   • The encapsulation layer adds an eight-byte header and a two-byte trailer to each packet.

8. (masonry) A brick that is laid sideways (on its largest face), for example at the top of a wall or within the brickwork, with its smallest side showing (oriented so that that side is wider than it is tall).

   • This wall has four header courses.

9. A horizontal structural or finish piece over an opening.

10. A machine that separates and gathers the heads of grain etc.

    • They fed the bale into the header.

11. (soccer) The act of hitting the ball with the head.

    • His header for the goal followed a perfect corner kick.

12. (soccer) Someone who heads the ball.

13. A headlong fall, jump or dive.

    • The clown tripped over the other clown and took a header.

14. A raised tank that supplies water at constant pressure, especially to a central heating and hot water system; a header tank.

15. A pipe which connects several smaller pipes.

    • Common practice is to use plastic pipes with iron headers.

16. The rodeo performer who drives the steer toward the heeler to be tied.

17. One who puts a head on something.

18. (Ireland, derogatory) A headcase; a nutjob (mentally unbalanced, unpredictable person).