intertitle

American  

[in-ter-tahyt-l] / ˌɪn tərˈtaɪt l /

noun

1. a frame with printed dialogue or narration that is shown between scenes in a silent film.

   The film restoration included cleaning the intertitles for re-insertion into the new digital master.

2. a static screen with text that marks the beginning of a video, or divides and names the sections of a video, as at the beginning of a film or video game, or before each segment of an edited amateur recording.

   The film begins with a solemn intertitle announcing that what follows is based on firsthand accounts.

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Etymology

Origin of intertitle

First recorded in 1935–40; inter- ( def. ) + title ( def. )

Example Sentences

“I’m not head of story, that’s Ken Mok,” Banks briskly answers when a producer presses her to talk about that chapter, while an intertitle identifies her as the show’s creator and executive producer.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026

This smooth, slanting movement is interrupted by an intertitle: “We are the same.”

From New York Times • Nov. 18, 2022

Here’s the Library of Congress version of the film, Frankensteined together from a couple of prints, with a missing intertitle recreated, and a brand new score from silent film composer Donald Sosin:

From Slate • Nov. 18, 2018

“My deepest wish would come true if you were willing to be my teacher!” an intertitle reads.

From The New Yorker • Feb. 14, 2017

An intertitle appeared on the screen: You know how they forced me to give you up!

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu