cross-heading

A newspaper article uses a cross-heading to break up the text.

Definition

Noun:
A cross-heading is a small heading or subheading inserted into a column of text, especially in a newspaper or magazine, to break up the content and guide the reader's attention. It typically appears between paragraphs or sections within a larger article.

Usage Examples

• (A subheading within a newspaper column.)
• (A heading that divides text into smaller parts.)

Advanced Usage

• "to insert a cross-heading": To place a subheading within a body of text.

  • The journalist inserted a cross-heading after the introductory paragraph. (She added a small heading to structure the article.)

• "to use cross-headings for clarity": To employ subheadings to make a text easier to follow.

  • In long reports, cross-headings are used for clarity. (Subheadings help organize information.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cross-head (n): a shortened form of "cross-heading," meaning the same thing.

  • The cross-head was placed in the middle of the column. (A small heading within a newspaper column.)

• Subheading (n): a heading that divides a larger text into sections; synonymous with cross-heading.

  • The subheading gave a preview of the next topic. (A heading under the main title.)

Synonyms

• Subheading: a heading that appears below a main heading.
• Subtitle: a secondary title, often used in books or articles.
• Sidehead: a heading placed in the margin or side of a column.

Related Idioms

• (Cross-heading is a specific technical term without common idiomatic usage.)

Notes on Usage

• Cross-headings are most common in journalism, advertising, and academic writing to improve visual structure.
• They are often printed in bold or a larger font to stand out from the body text.