caption

[ kap-shuhn ]

noun

1. a title or explanation for a picture or illustration, as in a magazine, newspaper, or book.
2. a heading or title, as of a chapter, article, or page.
3. Movies, Television, Digital Technology.
   1. a transcription or translation of dialogue and a written description of other audio elements, as sound effects, music, or atmospheric sounds, displayed as a graphic overlay on the lower part of the screen in a television program, film, video, or video game.
   2. subtitle ( def 3a ).
   3. a title or annotation displayed as a graphic overlay on the screen in a television program, film, video, or video game, as to set the scene, name a location, or specify a time or date.
4. Law. the heading of a legal document stating the time, place, etc., of execution or performance.

verb (used with object)

1. to supply a caption or captions for:

   to caption a photograph.

caption

/ ˈkæpʃən /

noun

1. a title, brief explanation, or comment accompanying an illustration; legend
2. a heading, title, or headline of a chapter, article, etc
3. graphic material, usually containing lettering, used in television presentation
4. another name for subtitle
5. the formal heading of a legal document stating when, where, and on what authority it was taken or made

verb

1. to provide with a caption or captions

Other Words From

• cap·tion·less adjective
• mis·cap·tion verb (used with object)
• sub·cap·tion noun
• su·per·cap·tion noun
• un·cap·tioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of caption¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English capcio(u)n “seizure,” from Latin captiōn- (stem of captiō ), equivalent to capt(us) “taken” ( captive ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of caption¹

C14 (meaning: seizure, an arrest; later, heading of a legal document): from Latin captiō a seizing, from capere to take

Example Sentences

Hours before the episode revealing his exit aired, Frick posted a cryptic TikTok of himself in a recording studio, singing lyrics that he also included in the post’s caption: “Ain’t nobody want me anyway.”

From Los Angeles Times

"I was thinking of my lower back or my..." as the prince points towards his backside and the captions turn to emojis.

From BBC

"History will judge us based on our actions and reactions," read the caption.

From BBC

The tour news comes after MCR on Monday dropped a cryptic graphic on its social channels, captioned, “If you could be anything, what would you be?”

From Los Angeles Times

The actress, who has been dating Kelly since 2020, captioned the images with: "Nothing is ever really lost. welcome back".

From BBC

Related Words

• inscription
• subtitle