Definition of caption
1 : the part of a legal document that shows where, when, and by what authority it was taken, found, or executed
2a : the heading especially of an article or document : titleb : the explanatory comment or designation accompanying a pictorial illustration read the caption for the names of the people in the picturec : a movie or television show subtitle
Explore Merriam-Webster
Examples of caption in a Sentence
The caption on the picture says “This year's contest winners.”
for the school yearbook, funny captions were written for snapshots showing a typical day at school
Origin and Etymology of caption
probably short for certificate of caption (taking, seizure)
First Known Use: circa 1670
Origin and Etymology of caption
see 1caption
First Known Use: 1848
CAPTION Defined for English Language Learners
caption
playDefinition of caption for English Language Learners
-
: a sentence or group of words that is written on or next to a picture to explain what is being shown
CAPTION Defined for Kids
caption
playDefinition of caption for Students
: a comment or title that goes with a picture
Law Dictionary
caption
playLegal Definition of caption
: the part of a legal document that states the court, the names of the parties, the docket number, the title of the document, and sometimes the name of the judge
Origin and Etymology of caption
Medieval Latin captio act of taking, from Latin capere to take
Learn More about caption
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for caption Spanish Central: Translation of caption Nglish: Translation of caption for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of caption for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up caption? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!