open caption

American  

[oh-puhn kap-shuhn] / ˈoʊ pən ˈkæp ʃən /

noun

Movies, Television, Digital Technology.

1. a transcription or translation of dialogue, together with a written description of other audio elements, as sound effects, music, or atmospheric sounds, time-synchronized with a television program, film, or video, and displayed as a text overlay, usually on the lower part of the screen: open captions are embedded in the source video and cannot be turned on and off.

   People who see your video on social media are probably watching with the sound turned down, so it’s a good idea to add open captions.

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Other Word Forms

• open captioning
  noun
• open-caption
  verb (used with object)
• open-captioned
  adjective
• open-captioning
  noun

Etymology

Origin of open caption

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

In 2022, New York City began requiring up to four open caption showings per movie per week at most theaters, with the stipulation that half be during peak hours.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 10, 2024

Some locations have open caption options available through the private theater rental program.

From Washington Post • Oct. 20, 2021

“We anticipate strong demand with growing awareness of open caption showtimes.”

From The Verge • Oct. 18, 2021

The filmmakers hope the open caption screenings for "CODA" will persuade other studios to follow their example, and will encourage deaf people to try movie theaters again.

From Reuters • Aug. 8, 2021

“But the distributors are concerned hearing audiences will shun open caption theaters.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 3, 2019