dateline - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
dateline Word Meanings
- a line that shows the date of a particular event or news story.
- a line in a newspaper or article indicating when it was written or published.
dateline Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
dateline Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈdeɪtlaɪn/
US
/ˈdeɪtlaɪn/
dateline Word Etymology
(a) 'date' + 'line'; (b) from Latin 'data' (things given) → Old French 'dateline' → English; (c) Imagine a journalist drawing a line across the paper to mark the date of an important event, making it stand out like a timeline in history.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Dateline is a journalism term that marks the origin and date of a news story. It usually appears at the top of an article, before the body, and signals where the story was filed from. The dateline helps readers understand the geographical context and the timing of the report, and it aids editors in archiving and routing stories. The term comes from date line, the idea being that a journalist would draw a line on the paper to indicate the date and place. In modern practice, a dateline might simply show a city name or a city and country, and it is often combined with the byline or a location tag. Understanding dateline helps avoid confusion about where and when reporting occurred.
Usage Reminders
- Identify the dateline at the top of a news article.
- It shows where the report was filed and when.
- Don’t confuse dateline with the byline.
- In international reporting, the dateline may include city, country, or both.
- Use dateline cues to infer the original reporting location and time.
Common Misconceptions
- Dateline is just the date; it also signals the place of reporting.
- Dateline and byline are the same thing; they always appear together.
- Dateline is only used in print newspapers, not online articles.
- If a dateline includes a city, it must include the country as well.
- Dateline tells you the author's name.
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, dateline is a standard feature of journalism stressing location and date; learners often confuse it with byline or assume it is only a date stamp. In practice, it signals origin and time but not author.
Learning Tips
- Look for dateline at the top of articles to identify origin.
- Differentiate dateline from byline; they convey location/date vs authorship.
- Note whether the city alone or city and country are shown.
- In international stories, use dateline to infer reporting context.
- Compare the dateline with the article body for consistency.
- Practice with sample articles to recognize common formats.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'dateline'?
A.A timeline of historical events
B.A deadline for submitting documents
C.A line indicating the date and place of a news event
D.A title for a news article
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'dateline' correctly?
A.The journalist included the dateline in the article.
B.We marked the dateline on the world map.
C.The dateline for the project is next week.
D.She couldn’t find the dateline for her flight.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'dateline'?
A.Outline
B.Draft
C.Timestamp
D.Footnote
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'dateline'?
A.Undated
B.Future date
C.Previous date
D.Null
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario involving 'dateline'?
A.The article had a very interesting subtitle.
B.The reporter noted the date and location at the start of the news story.
C.The presentation was due last Friday.
D.She missed the event and had to reschedule her plans.
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App