titular

1 of 2

adjective

tit·​u·​lar ˈti-chə-lər 

ˈtich-lər

1

a

: having the title and usually the honors belonging to an office or dignity without the duties, functions, or responsibilities

the titular head of a political party

b

: existing in title only

especially : bearing a title derived from a defunct ecclesiastical jurisdiction (such as an episcopal see)

a titular bishop

2

: of, relating to, or constituting a title

the titular hero of the play

3

: bearing a title : titled

titularly adverb

titular

2 of 2

noun

: a person holding a title

Synonyms of titular

Adjective

• nominal

Examples of titular in a Sentence

Adjective

Although retired, he remains the titular chairman of the company.

he's the titular head of the department, though it's the assistant managers who largely run things around here

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In the new series, Julie De Bona (The Count of Monte Cristo) stars as the titular Erica. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Jan. 2026

Presumably nominated for its huge fire that the titular bus drives through. —Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 23 Jan. 2026

Wonder Man stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as the titular hero, who previously appeared in superhero land as Black Manta in the Aquaman movies. —Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

The premise of Peppa Pig, which centers on the everyday life of the titular Peppa, her parents, siblings, and friends, may sound simple. —Kara Nesvig, Parents, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin titulus title

First Known Use

Adjective

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1540, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for titular

• capitular

Kids Definition

titular

adjective

tit·​u·​lar

ˈtich-(ə-)lər

: being something in title only : nominal

the titular head of state

titularly adverb