subtitle

[ suhb-tahyt-l ]

noun

1. a secondary or subordinate title of a literary work, usually of explanatory character.
2. a repetition of the leading words in the full title of a book at the head of the first page of text.
3. Movies, Television, Digital Technology.
   1. a translation or transcription of spoken language in a television program, film, video, or video game, as of dialogue in a foreign language or speech that is audible but may not be easily understood, displayed as a graphic overlay on the lower part of the screen.
   2. caption ( def 3a ).
   3. (in silent films) an intertitle or caption.

verb (used with object)

, sub·ti·tled, sub·ti·tling.

1. to supply a subtitle or subtitles for.

subtitle

/ ˈsʌbˌtaɪtəl; -ˈtɪtʃə-; sʌbˈtɪtjʊlə /

noun

1. an additional subordinate title given to a literary or other work
2. Also calledcaption often plural films
   1. a written translation superimposed on a film that has foreign dialogue
   2. explanatory text on a silent film

verb

1. tr; usually passive to provide a subtitle for

Derived Forms

• subtitular, adjective

Other Words From

• sub·tit·u·lar [suhb-, tich, -, uh, -ler, -, tit, -y, uh, -], adjective
• un·sub·ti·tled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtitle¹

First recorded in 1875–80; sub- + title

Example Sentences

She doesn’t find much if anything to like about the field, which she sees as a hive of people aiming to take advantage of the innocent and unwary — the facetious subtitle of her Web3 website calls it “definitely not an enormous grift that’s pouring lighter fluid on our already smoldering planet.”

From Los Angeles Times

The subtitle of “Robeson” is, in fact, “Unpacking a Classical Americana Electro-Gospel Acid Trip.”

From Los Angeles Times

After the conflict broke out, the game's subtitle was altered to Heart of Chornobyl, to reflect the Ukrainian spelling of the name.

From BBC

The subtitle of your book suggests that sheriffs pose a threat to democracy, but that's primarily about how their power has been mobilized over the last 30 to 40 years, most notably through the "constitutional sheriff" movement.

From Salon

How do you interpret "classic techniques, fresh flavors"? I love that subtitle.

From Salon

Related Words

• inscription