masthead: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Technical (nautical, publishing), Business
Quick answer
What does “masthead” mean?
The top section of a ship's mast.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The top section of a ship's mast; the nameplate of a newspaper or magazine, typically printed on the editorial page.
The section of a website, usually at the top, containing the logo and primary navigation; figuratively, the leadership or controlling authority of an organization, particularly a publication.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The publishing sense is dominant in both. Minor differences may exist in nautical contexts.
Connotations
In publishing, it carries connotations of authority, tradition, and official record.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the larger publishing and tech industries, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “masthead” in a Sentence
The [PUBLICATION] masthead lists [EDITORS][DESIGNER] created the [ADJECTIVE] mastheadThe masthead [VERB: appears/features] on [PAGE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “masthead” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Times's masthead has remained largely unchanged for over a century.
- The sailor was tasked with repairing the masthead light.
American English
- The New Yorker's masthead is famous for its distinctive font.
- She was promoted and her name now appears on the corporate masthead.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the leadership team listed in corporate reports or on an 'About Us' page.
Academic
Used in media studies, journalism, and nautical history.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Most familiar in the context of newspapers or website headers.
Technical
Specific terms in publishing (listing editors), web design (CSS 'masthead' class), and sailing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “masthead”
- Using 'masthead' to mean the main headline of an article (that's the 'headline').
- Confusing 'masthead' (editorial) with 'colophon' (production details).
- Pronouncing it as /mɑːstˈhɛd/ (stress on second syllable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it's a standard term in web design for the top banner/header area containing the site's logo and primary navigation.
The masthead is the permanent title/logo of the publication and its list of editors. A headline is the title of a specific, individual article.
Yes, metaphorically. 'The masthead' can refer to the collective leadership (e.g., editors, publishers) listed in that section, as in 'a new appointment to the masthead'.
Yes, primarily in the first vowel. British English uses the long /ɑː/ as in 'bath', while American English uses the short /æ/ as in 'cat'.
The top section of a ship's mast.
Masthead is usually formal, technical (nautical, publishing), business in register.
Masthead: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːst.hed/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmæst.hed/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “From the masthead down (meaning from the leadership through the entire organization)”
- “A change at the masthead (a leadership change).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a ship's MAST with a HEAD on top (the masthead). A newspaper's 'head' (its title and leaders) is also at the top of the editorial page.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEADERSHIP/IDENTITY IS AT THE TOP (of a structure). THE PUBLICATION IS A SHIP (with a crew listed on the masthead).
Practice
Quiz
In modern web design, what does 'masthead' most commonly refer to?