masthead
UK[ˈmɑːst.hed]US[ˈmæst.hed]
n
The top of a ship's mast.
n
The name of a newspaper or periodical as printed at the top of the first page or editorial page, often with details about its ownership and management.
Morpheme Breakdown
mast
head
mast
pole
head
top
Etymology
The word 'masthead' is a straightforward compound from two native English elements. 'Mast', a term for the tall spar on a sailing vessel, combines with 'head', referring to the topmost part. Its original, literal sense was precisely the top of a ship's mast. This nautical term was later adopted into publishing during the 18th century. The logic of the transfer is spatial and hierarchical: just as the masthead is the highest, most prominent point on a ship, the publication's title and ownership details are placed at the top of the page, signifying its identity and authority.
Analysis
Structure: mast (pole) + head (top)
- mast: From Old English mæst, meaning a pole or the long upright spar on a ship. Its origin is Proto-Germanic.
- head: From Old English hēafod, meaning the top part or the upper extremity. Its origin is Proto-Germanic.
Examples
The sailor climbed to the masthead to look for land.
The newspaper's masthead lists the editor-in-chief and the publisher.
You can find the publication's address and ISSN in the small print of the masthead.