closed caption

[ klohzd 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: closed captions can be enabled or disabled and are visible only when turned on: : CC Compare open caption ( def ).

   The bartender at the airport restaurant had turned on the closed captions, and a few people were watching a sitcom and laughing.

Other Words From

• closed-cap·tion verb (used with object)
• closed-cap·tioned [klohzd, -, kap, -sh, uh, nd], adjective
• closed cap·tion·er noun
• closed cap·tion·ing closed-cap·tion·ing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of closed caption¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

The choice is now yours: the closed caption toggle is now available for everyone on iOS and Android!

From The Verge

The first episode includes a scene where Harrow issues a command in what the closed caption describes as ancient Egyptian.

From Los Angeles Times

We learned a lot about usage rights and rival closed caption formats — we ran into some real Decoder pain points.

From The Verge

“I can see it show up on the closed caption, people saying, ‘Why is this deaf lady on an audio app?’” she said.

From New York Times

Films have closed caption option and meet FCC broadcast standards with rating not exceeding rated-R.

From Washington Times