headline inflation

noun

economics
: a measure of inflation that is based on an unadjusted price index
… but core inflation has indeed been a much more reliable guide than headline inflation, which fluctuates wildly.—Paul Krugman
compare core inflation

Examples of headline inflation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Should the Iran war end and oil and gas prices decline, headline inflation could begin to cool. — Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026 In all three scenarios, headline inflation is expected to rise. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 15 Apr. 2026 Even as headline inflation cooled, these essential costs continued to strain household budgets. — Gene Ludwig, Fortune, 6 May 2026 But higher energy and commodity prices are pushing up headline inflation and prices for other goods. — Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for headline inflation

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of headline inflation was in 1983

Rhymes for headline inflation

See All Rhymes for headline inflation

Browse Nearby Words

headline
headline inflation
headliner
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Headline inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/headline%20inflation. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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