title

[ tahyt-l ]

noun

1. the distinguishing name of a book, poem, picture, piece of music, or the like.
2. a descriptive heading or caption, as of a chapter, section, or other part of a book.
3. title page.
4. a descriptive or distinctive appellation, especially one belonging to a person by right of rank, office, attainment, etc.:

   the title of Lord Mayor.

   Synonyms: denomination, designation

5. Sports. the championship:

   He won the title three years in a row.

6. an established or recognized right to something.
7. a ground or basis for a claim.
8. anything that provides a ground or basis for a claim.
9. Law.
   1. legal right to the possession of property, especially real property.
   2. the ground or evidence of such right.
   3. the instrument constituting evidence of such right.
   4. a unity combining all of the requisites to complete legal ownership.
   5. a division of a statute, lawbook, etc., especially one larger than an article or section.
   6. (in pleading) the designation of one's basis for judicial relief; the cause of action sued upon, as a contract or tort.
10. Ecclesiastical.
    1. a fixed sphere of work and source of income, required as a condition of ordination.
    2. any of certain Roman Catholic churches in Rome, the nominal incumbents of which are cardinals.
11. Usually titles. Movies, Television.
    1. a subtitle in the viewer's own language:

       an Italian movie with English titles.

    2. any written matter inserted into the film or program, especially the list of actors, technicians, writers, etc., contributing to it; credits.

adjective

1. of or relating to a title:

   the title story in a collection.

2. that decides a title:

   a title bout.

verb (used with object)

, ti·tled, ti·tling.

1. to furnish with a title; designate by an appellation; entitle.

   Synonyms: style, call, term, denominate

title

/ ˈtaɪtəl /

noun

1. the distinctive name of a work of art, musical or literary composition, etc
2. a descriptive name, caption, or heading of a section of a book, speech, etc
3. See title page
4. a name or epithet signifying rank, office, or function
5. a formal designation, such as Mr, Mrs, or Miss
6. an appellation designating nobility
7. films
   1. short for subtitle
   2. written material giving credits in a film or television programme
8. sport a championship
9. property law
   1. the legal right to possession of property, esp real property
   2. the basis of such right
   3. the documentary evidence of such right

      title deeds

10. law
    1. the heading or a division of a statute, book of law, etc
    2. the heading of a suit or action at law
11. 1. any customary or established right
    2. a claim based on such a right
12. a definite spiritual charge or office in the church, without appointment to which a candidate for holy orders cannot lawfully be ordained
13. RC Church a titular church

verb

1. tr to give a title to

Other Words From

• mis·title verb (used with object) mistitled mistitling
• non·title adjective
• re·title verb (used with object) retitled retitling
• under·title noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of title¹

First recorded before 950; Middle English, variant of titel, Old English titul, from Latin titulus “superscription, title”

Word History and Origins

Origin of title¹

C13: from Old French, from Latin titulus

Synonym Study

See name.

Example Sentences

In his manifesto, which he titled “The Inconvenient Truth” — a seeming nod to Al Gore’s documentary about the climate crisis — he wrote that “water sheds around the country, especially in agricultural areas, are being depleted.”

From Salon

The Springboks arrive in London following victory over Scotland, having claimed their first Rugby Championship title since 2019 in September.

From BBC

It all points to the power of known titles in an increasingly tough market for films.

From Los Angeles Times

A green check mark appeared next to the song’s title because the 68-year-old had added it to his Liked Songs playlist at some point.

From Los Angeles Times

To promote the event, Netflix released a documentary series titled “Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson,” which goes into the backgrounds of the fighters and showcases their preparation for the bout.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• championship
• crown
• medal
• power

More About Title

What is a title?

A title is the distinct name of a creative work, as in The title of the movie was King Kong.

A title is also a formal descriptive term given to a person, as in The diplomat made sure to address the duchess using her proper title.

A title is also a championship in sports, The team won the title last year and they came into the season ready to defend it.

Almost all books, movies, pieces of art, video games, and all other creative works have titles. Their title is the name they are referred to. For example, Of Mice and Men is the title of a book by John Steinbeck. Further divisions of a work, such as chapters of a book or episodes of a TV show, may also have their own titles. Something that doesn’t have a title but is expected to is said to be untitled.

Title can be used in this sense as an adjective, like a title story. When used as a verb, it means to give a title to someone or something, as in The songwriter titled his newest work “Sonata 23.”

The word title is also a formal term given to a person based on their rank, authority, achievements, or other qualifying reason. A title usually precedes a person’s name and, if so, is capitalized, as with Doctor, Professor, Sergeant, President, and Prime Minister.

Finally, a title is also a championship in sports. When used as an adjective in this sense it describes something that decides who gets the title, like a title game.

Example: The title of my favorite movie is The Godfather.

Where does title come from?

The first records of title come from before the 950s. It comes from the Latin word titulus, meaning “superscription” or “title.”

Generally speaking, it is considered rude or impolite to not address a person by their proper title in a formal setting, like calling your college professor by their first name during class.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to title?

• untitled (adjective)
• mistitle (verb)
• nontitle (adjective)
• retitle (verb)
• undertitle (noun)

What are some synonyms for title?

• name
• honorific
• entitle
• christen
• call

What are some words that share a root or word element with title? 

• entitle
• titular
• titleholder
• title page
• title role

What are some words that often get used in discussing title?

• book
• movie
• poem
• song
• job
• nobility
• military
• formal

How is title used in real life?

Title is a common word that most often means the name of a creative work.

I looked up every line from every Christmas carol and it turns out the only one that hasn't been turned into the title of a holiday movie yet is "And Pretend That He Is Parson Brown."

— Adam Conover (@adamconover) December 21, 2020

FCB Chicago announced that former Leo Burnett exec Juan Woodbury has joined the agency. One of the many areas he'll be in charge of, according to the news release: TikTok!

His title is EVP, Director of Branded Content & Entertainment.

— Ally Marotti (@AllyMarotti) October 27, 2020

Fastest KO in a UFC title fight.
Most knockdowns in a UFC title fight.
Featherweight belt. Lightweight belt.
Champ Champ.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 3, 2020

 

 

Try using title!

Is title used correctly in the following sentence?

Star Wars is the title of a popular science fiction film series.