titular

American  

[tich-uh-ler, tit-yuh-] / ˈtɪtʃ ə lər, ˈtɪt yə- /

adjective

1. existing or being such in title only; nominal; having the title but none of the associated duties, powers, etc..

   the titular head of the company.

2. from whom or which a title or name is taken.

   His titular Saint is Michael.

3. of, relating to, or of the nature of a title.

4. having a title, especially of rank.

5. designating any of the Roman Catholic churches in Rome whose nominal incumbents are cardinals.

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noun

1. a person who bears a title.

2. a person from whom or thing from which a title or name is taken.

3. Ecclesiastical. a person entitled to a benefice but not required to perform its duties.

titular British  

/ ˈtɪtjʊlərɪ, ˈtɪtjʊlə /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of a title

2. in name only

3. bearing a title

4. giving a title

5. RC Church designating any of certain churches in Rome to whom cardinals or bishops are attached as their nominal incumbents

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noun

1. the bearer of a title

2. the bearer of a nominal office

Other Word Forms

• multititular adjective
• nontitular adjective
• nontitularly adverb
• titularity noun
• titularly adverb
• untitular adjective
• untitularly adverb

Etymology

Origin of titular

1585–95; < Latin titul ( us ) title + -ar ¹

Example Sentences

“Ghost Elephants” is a Werner Herzog film so, unsurprisingly, the titular characters play second fiddle to a man on an arduous quest, with fascinating digressions along the way.

From Los Angeles Times

The studio has yet to cast the titular spy or set a release date for the movie, which will be directed by “Dune’s” Denis Villeneuve.

From The Wall Street Journal

It seems as though I’m entirely unsure of who is sparking the titular reminders of this saccharine, ridiculous, and oh-so-delightful melodrama.

From Salon

It ends with the quiet richness of the titular Ravel piece, a solo performed as an indirect communique of tension and release.

From Los Angeles Times

They moved on to the titular boxer in "Creed," tormented by his father's legacy, and the villainous Killmonger of "Black Panther," traumatized by being an orphan in a racist world.

From Barron's

Related Words

• nominal