intertitle

[ in-ter-tahyt-l ]

noun

1. a frame with printed dialogue or narration that is shown between scenes in a silent film:

   The film restoration included cleaning the intertitles for re-insertion into the new digital master.

2. a static screen with text that marks the beginning of a video, or divides and names the sections of a video, as at the beginning of a film or video game, or before each segment of an edited amateur recording:

   The film begins with a solemn intertitle announcing that what follows is based on firsthand accounts.

Word History and Origins

Origin of intertitle¹

First recorded in 1935–40; inter- ( def ) + title ( def )

Example Sentences

This smooth, slanting movement is interrupted by an intertitle: “We are the same.”

From New York Times

In its intertitle graphics and visual typography, “This Is the Life” often mirrors VH1’s “Behind the Music” documentaries.

From New York Times

“Who is Behind All This?” an intertitle demands.

From New York Times

Attempts to muddy the issue by demonizing job creators like Bolshevism on Trial’s Colonel Bradshaw will fail in the face of the intertitle that introduces him, a campaign-consultant-friendly bulleted list of reasons not to be mad at rich people that will no doubt appear in a Michael Bloomberg ad before this is all over:

From Slate

An intertitle lists the number of Black directors nominated by the Academy throughout the years, including John Singleton in 1991 for "Boyz N the Hood," Lee Daniels in 2009 for "Precious"; Steve McQueen for "12 Years a Slave"; Jenkins; and Peele for "Get Out."

From Salon