titular

[tich-uh-ler, tit-yuh-]

adjective

1. existing or being such in title only; nominal; having the title but none of the associated duties, powers, etc..

   the titular head of the company.

2. from whom or which a title or name is taken.

   His titular Saint is Michael.

3. of, relating to, or of the nature of a title.

4. having a title, especially of rank.

5. designating any of the Roman Catholic churches in Rome whose nominal incumbents are cardinals.

noun

1. a person who bears a title.

2. a person from whom or thing from which a title or name is taken.

3. Ecclesiastical.,  a person entitled to a benefice but not required to perform its duties.

titular

/ ˈtɪtjʊlərɪ, ˈtɪtjʊlə /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of a title

2. in name only

3. bearing a title

4. giving a title

5. RC Church designating any of certain churches in Rome to whom cardinals or bishops are attached as their nominal incumbents

noun

1. the bearer of a title

2. the bearer of a nominal office

Other Word Forms

• titularity noun
• titularly adverb
• multititular adjective
• nontitular adjective
• nontitularly adverb
• untitular adjective
• untitularly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of titular¹

1585–95; < Latin titul ( us ) title + -ar ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of titular¹

C18: from French titulaire, from Latin titulus _title

Example Sentences

“Little Amélie” talks to children by settling into the mind of its titular toddler as she grows from her infancy.

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There is still uncertainty about exactly when Doctor Who will return properly, however, and who will play the famous titular role going forward.

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Anyone watching these plays would be likely to respond to the titular invitation with a firm, “Let’s not!”

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She won the Academy Award for best actress for 1977’s “Annie Hall,” in which she plays the neurotic titular heroine written by her former partner Woody Allen.

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Mr. Wilser quotes Mr. Hahn, almost in passing, as saying that the titular swami “regularly takes at least eight daily doses of Datura in the form of the betel chew.”

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Related Words

• nominal