titular

American  

[tich-uh-ler, tit-yuh-] / ˈtɪtʃ ə lər, ˈtɪt yə- /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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noun

1. the bearer of a title

2. the bearer of a nominal office

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of titular

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

Example Sentences

Though this material provides context, the book’s habit of teasing the titular riot several times and then jumping to another topic gets a bit exasperating.

From The Wall Street Journal

The titular Outlaw was the first Black constable of Graham, N.C.

From Los Angeles Times

As before, we find ourselves in the audience for the titular event, taking place in a school gym.

From The Wall Street Journal

Starring Vanessa Williams as the titular prima donna, the brilliantly named Ebony Scrooge, the film follows Ebony’s transformation from penny-pinching pop star to charitable altruist.

From Salon

Part of the genius of “When Harry Met Sally” is that, while the viewer wants the titular couple to end up together, their fate doesn’t feel guaranteed.

From Salon

Related Words

• nominal