open caption

[ oh-puhn kap-shuhn ]

noun

, Movies, Television, Digital Technology.

1. a transcription or translation of dialogue, together with a written description of other audio elements, as sound effects, music, or atmospheric sounds, time-synchronized with a television program, film, or video, and displayed as a text overlay, usually on the lower part of the screen: open captions are embedded in the source video and cannot be turned on and off: Compare closed caption ( def ).

   People who see your video on social media are probably watching with the sound turned down, so it’s a good idea to add open captions.

Other Words From

• o·pen-cap·tion verb (used with object)
• o·pen-cap·tioned adjective
• o·pen cap·tion·ing o·pen-cap·tion·ing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of open caption¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

In 2022, New York City began requiring up to four open caption showings per movie per week at most theaters, with the stipulation that half be during peak hours.

From Los Angeles Times

July 23, open caption 6:30 July 16 and 8 p.m.

From Seattle Times

Comicbook.com reports that AMC has "unveiled a plan to have a number of screenings with open captions for multiple films," and AMC's website reveals 35 states and Washington, DC offer open caption screenings at 240 different locations.

From Salon

“Initial consumer response has been very positive, and we anticipate strong demand with growing awareness of open caption showtimes at AMC.”

From Washington Post

Some locations have open caption options available through the private theater rental program.

From Washington Post