catchline: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (Publishing/Advertising)
Quick answer
What does “catchline” mean?
A short, memorable phrase or slogan used in advertising, journalism, or publishing to attract attention and be easily remembered.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short, memorable phrase or slogan used in advertising, journalism, or publishing to attract attention and be easily remembered.
In printing and publishing, a line of text, often a title or slogan, repeated at the top of each page or section for identification. In theater, a line in a script intended to get a laugh or strong audience reaction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British publishing jargon. In American usage, 'tagline' or 'slogan' is often preferred in advertising, while 'running head' or 'folio' is used in printing.
Connotations
UK: Strong association with newspaper headlines and print media. US: May sound slightly old-fashioned or niche; 'tagline' feels more modern.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language, but stable within specific professional domains.
Grammar
How to Use “catchline” in a Sentence
The advertisement's catchline was...They added a catchline to the masthead.The character was known for his catchline, '...'.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “catchline” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The tabloid's catchline, 'Gotcha!', became infamous.
- Each chapter had a catchline in the margin for easy reference.
- The ad agency spent weeks perfecting the product's catchline.
American English
- The magazine's catchline appeared on every other page.
- The superhero's catchline was trademarked by the studio.
- We need a catchline that resonates with a younger demographic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing and branding discussions to refer to a company's short, identifying slogan.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in media studies or publishing history texts.
Everyday
Very rare. Most would use 'slogan' or 'tagline'.
Technical
Common in printing, publishing, and advertising industry jargon.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “catchline”
- Using it interchangeably with 'headline' (which is for a specific article).
- Confusing it with a legal 'catch-all' clause.
- Misspelling as 'catch phrase' (which is more personal).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are often synonyms, especially in advertising. 'Catchline' has stronger historical ties to printing/publishing, while 'tagline' is more versatile and modern.
Yes, particularly in comedy or TV, it can refer to a character's signature or joke line meant to elicit a specific audience reaction.
No, it's a specialist term. Most people would use 'slogan' for advertising or 'header' for a repeated page title.
No, 'catchline' is only a noun. Related actions would be 'to devise/write/use a catchline'.
A short, memorable phrase or slogan used in advertising, journalism, or publishing to attract attention and be easily remembered.
Catchline is usually formal, technical (publishing/advertising) in register.
Catchline: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkætʃlaɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkætʃlaɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a fishing line that CATCHES attention. A CATCHLINE is a verbal 'hook'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTENTION IS A PRIZE TO BE CAUGHT (The catchline 'catches' the audience's mind).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'catchline' LEAST likely to be used?