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

Typewritten photo captions were brief and rife with spelling and factual errors.

Read more on BBC

That was the case with one German influencer, with 900,000 followers, posted a picture with dozens of AI dalmatians captioned: "just me, living my dream".

Read more on BBC

“Make it Nick Út,” he reportedly told Mr. Robinson, as his subordinate was writing the caption and credit.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The prime minister uploaded a video of his antics to Instagram, with the caption: "I think I just got myself put in detention..."

Read more on BBC

“Dear Ariana Grande thanks for letting me join the Red Carpet 💛,” he captioned the video.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• inscription 
• subtitle