caption

[kap-shuhn]

noun

1. a title or explanation for a picture or illustration, as in a magazine, newspaper, or book.

2. a heading or title, as of a chapter, article, or page.

3. Movies, Television, Digital Technology.

   1. a transcription or translation of dialogue and a written description of other audio elements, as sound effects, music, or atmospheric sounds, displayed as a graphic overlay on the lower part of the screen in a television program, film, video, or video game.

   2. subtitle.

   3. a title or annotation displayed as a graphic overlay on the screen in a television program, film, video, or video game, as to set the scene, name a location, or specify a time or date.

4. Law.,  the heading of a legal document stating the time, place, etc., of execution or performance.

verb (used with object)

1. to supply a caption or captions for.

   to caption a photograph.

caption

/ ˈkæpʃən /

noun

1. a title, brief explanation, or comment accompanying an illustration; legend

2. a heading, title, or headline of a chapter, article, etc

3. graphic material, usually containing lettering, used in television presentation

4. another name for subtitle

5. the formal heading of a legal document stating when, where, and on what authority it was taken or made

verb

1. to provide with a caption or captions

Other Word Forms

• captionless adjective
• miscaption verb (used with object)
• subcaption noun
• supercaption noun
• uncaptioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of caption¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English capcio(u)n “seizure,” from Latin captiōn- (stem of captiō ), equivalent to capt(us) “taken” ( captive ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of caption¹

C14 (meaning: seizure, an arrest; later, heading of a legal document): from Latin captiō a seizing, from capere to take

Example Sentences

In the post, Moorish-Gallagher added a caption which said "In a message to you, Rudy", accompanied by a blue heart emoji.

Read more on BBC

One showed him holding the weapons in his bedroom with the caption "artillery coming on nice".

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“After The Hunt” begins with grim foreboding: the caption “It happened at Yale.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

After one of their first practices together, Bennett posted a photo of the pair in Panthers sweaters with a caption that summed up their mutual admiration.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Corrections & Amplifications An earlier version of the caption of the photo showing a Quest Diagnostics patient-service center incorrectly said the center was in a CVS store.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• inscription 
• subtitle