Definition

Noun A headline format in which the first line is aligned to the left margin, and each subsequent line is indented further to the right, creating a stepped or staggered appearance on the page.

Usage

This term is used specifically in journalism, typography, and publishing to describe a particular style of headline layout. It is a technical term for a visual design choice.

Examples

• The newspaper article used a staggered head to make the headline stand out on the front page.
• In traditional print design, a staggered head was often employed for its dramatic visual effect.
• The editor asked the designer to format that headline as a staggered head.

Advanced Usage

• The staggered head format is less common in modern digital typography, where flush-left or centered headlines are more prevalent for readability on screens.
• It is sometimes used poetically or in artistic layouts to create a specific visual rhythm or to fit long headlines into a constrained space.

Variants and Related Words

• Stepped Head: A synonym for a staggered head.
• Flush-left Head: A headline where all lines are aligned to the left margin.
• Centered Head: A headline where all lines are centered.
• Hanging Indent: A related formatting style for body text where the first line is flush left and subsequent lines are indented.

Synonyms

• Stepped head
• Indented headline
• Dropline headline (in some specific stylistic contexts)

Antonyms

• Flush-left head
• Centered head
• Justified head

Noun

1. a headline with the top line flush left and succeeding lines indented to the right