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caption

[ kap-shuhn ]
/ ˈkæp ʃən /
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See synonyms for: caption / captioned / captioning on Thesaurus.com
noun
a title or explanation for a picture or illustration, as in a magazine, newspaper, or book.
a heading or title, as of a chapter, article, or page.
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 (def. 3a).
  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.
Law. the heading of a legal document stating the time, place, etc., of execution or performance.
verb (used with object)
to supply a caption or captions for: to caption a photograph.
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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

OTHER WORDS FROM caption

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to caption

inscription, subtitle, explanation, head, legend, rubric, title, underline

How to use caption in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for caption

caption
/ (ˈkæpʃən) /
noun
a title, brief explanation, or comment accompanying an illustration; legend
a heading, title, or headline of a chapter, article, etc
graphic material, usually containing lettering, used in television presentation
another name for subtitle (def. 2)
the formal heading of a legal document stating when, where, and on what authority it was taken or made
verb
to provide with a caption or captions

Word Origin for caption

C14 (meaning: seizure, an arrest; later, heading of a legal document): from Latin captiō a seizing, from capere to take
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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