subtitle

[suhb-tahyt-l]

noun

1. a secondary or subordinate title of a literary work, usually of explanatory character.

2. a repetition of the leading words in the full title of a book at the head of the first page of text.

3. Movies, Television, Digital Technology.

   1. a translation or transcription of spoken language in a television program, film, video, or video game, as of dialogue in a foreign language or speech that is audible but may not be easily understood, displayed as a graphic overlay on the lower part of the screen.

   2. caption.

   3. (in silent films) an intertitle or caption.

verb (used with object)

subtitled, subtitling 

1. to supply a subtitle or subtitles for.

subtitle

/ ˈsʌbˌtaɪtəl, -ˈtɪtʃə-, sʌbˈtɪtjʊlə /

noun

1. an additional subordinate title given to a literary or other work

2. Also called: caption. (often plural) films

   1. a written translation superimposed on a film that has foreign dialogue

   2. explanatory text on a silent film

verb

1. (tr; usually passive) to provide a subtitle for

Other Word Forms

• subtitular adjective
• unsubtitled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subtitle¹

First recorded in 1875–80; sub- + title

Example Sentences

The combined service allows fans to view dubbed and subtitled content in one place.

From Los Angeles Times

As suggested by its subtitle, “The Education of an Artist,” the book is the nonfiction equivalent of a bildungsroman.

From Los Angeles Times

The Ellingwoods continued watching the nail-biting game with subtitles, but as the match became more and more exciting, customers began spilling over to their side of the bar.

From Los Angeles Times

"You think that because we speak the same language, I wouldn't need subtitles, but I do," the 42-year-old jokes.

From BBC

"America is not a culture which has grown up with subtitles or dubbing like Europe has," he points out.

From BBC

Related Words

• call 
• describe 
• dub