caption

American  

[kap-shuhn] / ˈkæp ʃən /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of caption

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

Explanation

A caption is a brief description accompanying an illustration. You know the online photo of your baby cousin face-planting into a cake? The description underneath it that says "Hugh's First Birthday" — that's the caption. The Latin root of caption is capito, which means "seizing" or "holding." What do captions have to do with seizing? Nothing. Centuries ago, when authorities seized someone's property for legal reasons, they presented documents that began with the phrase "certificate of caption." Eventually people began using the word to refer to the beginning of any document. Then they began using it to mean any article or chapter heading. And from chapter headings it was a short hop to picture headings. A long journey for a word whose definition includes the description "brief"!

Example Sentences

Once again, the clip appeared with no context or caption, and it was left to the commentariat to provide the details.

From Salon • May 12, 2026

The White House's X feed on Tuesday even seemed to lean towards Rubio, announcing his press briefing with the caption "Another job?" and posting a picture of him on dozens of channels.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

The “Beanie” in the baby caption is self-explanatory, while “Scouse” is a reference to the accent in Roberts’ Liverpool home town.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

They shared a photo of the brown spaniel who is sitting in a grassy field in Cornwall, with the caption: "Welcome to the family, Otto! 1 today."

From BBC • May 2, 2026

The caption reads, Headed to Atlantis with Mom for a weekend of shopping!

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

Related Words

• inscription
• subtitle