subtitle

1 of 2

noun

sub·​ti·​tle ˈsəb-ˌtī-tᵊl 

1

: a secondary or explanatory title

2

: a printed statement or fragment of dialogue appearing on the screen between the scenes of a silent movie or appearing as a translation at the bottom of the screen during the scenes of a movie or television show in a foreign language

subtitle

2 of 2

verb

subtitled; subtitling; subtitles

transitive verb

: to give a subtitle to

Examples of subtitle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Because the minions don't speak English—and the film provides no subtitles—the film is light on dialogue. — Parents, 1 July 2026

In Persian with English subtitles. — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 10 June 2026

Verb

There’s a whole life around the world for French-language productions, subtitled, that travel. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 15 May 2026

The success of the film — which was dubbed in 47 languages and subtitled in 56 — extends far beyond any single territory. — Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1830, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subtitle

• phytol
• title
• vital
• entitle
• recital

Kids Definition

subtitle

noun

sub·​ti·​tle

ˈsəb-ˌtīt-ᵊl

1

: a secondary or explanatory title

2

: a printed statement or bit of dialogue appearing on the screen between the scenes of a silent movie or at the bottom of the screen during the scenes of a television show or movie for viewers with hearing loss or as a translation of a foreign language

subtitle verb