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

Audiences on Netflix have embraced international programming as viewers have become increasingly accustomed to reading subtitles at home.

From Los Angeles Times

He assembled Voices from the Plain of Jars, a book with the subtitle “Life Under an Air War,” published in 1972.

From Salon

“That is one reason autistic people tend to like animation. There are so many subtitles that go on in live action that can easily overwhelm an autistic person.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Opera houses today need not worry about setting off a riot — they're too busy worrying about their performances not drawing enough attention among the public, even now with the inclusion of subtitles.

From Salon

Related Words

• inscription