title

American  

[tahyt-l] / ˈtaɪt l /

noun

1. the distinguishing name of a book, poem, picture, piece of music, or the like.

2. a descriptive heading or caption, as of a chapter, section, or other part of a book.

3. title page.

4. a descriptive or distinctive appellation, especially one belonging to a person by right of rank, office, attainment, etc..

   the title of Lord Mayor.

   Synonyms:

   denomination, designation

5. Sports. the championship.

   He won the title three years in a row.

6. an established or recognized right to something.

7. a ground or basis for a claim.

8. anything that provides a ground or basis for a claim.

9. Law.

   1. legal right to the possession of property, especially real property.

   2. the ground or evidence of such right.

   3. the instrument constituting evidence of such right.

   4. a unity combining all of the requisites to complete legal ownership.

   5. a division of a statute, lawbook, etc., especially one larger than an article or section.

   6. (in pleading) the designation of one's basis for judicial relief; the cause of action sued upon, as a contract or tort.

10. Ecclesiastical.

    1. a fixed sphere of work and source of income, required as a condition of ordination.

    2. any of certain Roman Catholic churches in Rome, the nominal incumbents of which are cardinals.

11. Movies, Television. Usually titles.

    1. a subtitle in the viewer's own language.

       an Italian movie with English titles.

    2. any written matter inserted into the film or program, especially the list of actors, technicians, writers, etc., contributing to it; credits.

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adjective

1. of or relating to a title.

   the title story in a collection.

2. that decides a title.

   a title bout.

verb (used with object)

titled, titling

1. to furnish with a title; designate by an appellation; entitle.

   Synonyms:

   style, call, term, denominate

title British  

/ ˈtaɪtəl /

noun

1. the distinctive name of a work of art, musical or literary composition, etc

2. a descriptive name, caption, or heading of a section of a book, speech, etc

3. See title page

4. a name or epithet signifying rank, office, or function

5. a formal designation, such as Mr, Mrs, or Miss

6. an appellation designating nobility

7. films

   1. short for subtitle

   2. written material giving credits in a film or television programme

8. sport a championship

9. property law

   1. the legal right to possession of property, esp real property

   2. the basis of such right

   3. the documentary evidence of such right

      title deeds

10. law

    1. the heading or a division of a statute, book of law, etc

    2. the heading of a suit or action at law

11. 1. any customary or established right

    2. a claim based on such a right

12. a definite spiritual charge or office in the church, without appointment to which a candidate for holy orders cannot lawfully be ordained

13. RC Church a titular church

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verb

1. (tr) to give a title to

Usage

What is a title? A title is the distinct name of a creative work, as in The title of the movie was King Kong. A title is also a formal descriptive term given to a person, as in The diplomat made sure to address the duchess using her proper title. A title is also a championship in sports, The team won the title last year and they came into the season ready to defend it. Almost all books, movies, pieces of art, video games, and all other creative works have titles. Their title is the name they are referred to. For example, Of Mice and Men is the title of a book by John Steinbeck. Further divisions of a work, such as chapters of a book or episodes of a TV show, may also have their own titles. Something that doesn’t have a title but is expected to is said to be untitled. Title can be used in this sense as an adjective, like a title story. When used as a verb, it means to give a title to someone or something, as in The songwriter titled his newest work “Sonata 23.”The word title is also a formal term given to a person based on their rank, authority, achievements, or other qualifying reason. A title usually precedes a person’s name and, if so, is capitalized, as with Doctor, Professor, Sergeant, President, and Prime Minister. Finally, a title is also a championship in sports. When used as an adjective in this sense it describes something that decides who gets the title, like a title game. Example: The title of my favorite movie is The Godfather.

Related Words

See name.

Other Word Forms

• mistitle
  verb (used with object)
• nontitle
  adjective
• retitle
  verb (used with object)
• undertitle
  noun

Etymology

Origin of title

First recorded before 950; Middle English, variant of titel, Old English titul, from Latin titulus “superscription, title”

Explanation

A title is typically the official part of your name, placed at the beginning to signify a certain status or function. So, do you prefer "Mr.," "Mrs.," "Dr." or "Ms"? Or perhaps you just go by "Grand Pooh-bah"? There seem to be as many ways to use the word title as there are titles on a library shelf — because a title is also what you call a book or song or work of art. Titles are even given to statutes and acts of legislature. When you buy a car, you get a title, which is a piece of paper certifying your ownership. And when your favorite team wins the championship? You often say they won the title — and the right to brag.

Example Sentences

El Camino Real is seeking a record 11th title.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

He held the Glory heavyweight world title for 12 years in a reign spanning more than 4,000 days.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Boosting isn’t a solution, but it is an equalizer, reminding upper management that a different title and fatter salary don’t exempt them from compassion, inside or outside the store.

From Salon • May 22, 2026

He occasionally offered commentary in verse, which earned him the title of poet-in-residence at CBS News.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

The cover had no words on it, not even a title.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

Related Words

• championship
• crown
• medal
• power