titular

1 of 2

adjective

tit·​u·​lar ˈti-chə-lər How to pronounce titular (audio)
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

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
Exact plot details for Season 2 are being kept under wraps, but the first season saw the titular nine strangers meet at a health and wellness resort run by Kidman’s Masha. Joe Otterson, Variety, 21 Mar. 2024 Andromeda’s Cup turns its titular subject into a wallpaper motif framed by acanthus leaves and sweeping drapery. Kate Maxwell Lindsey Tramuta Reggie Nadelson Gisela Williams Roxanne Fequiere Siska Lyssens, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024 Chiwetel Ejiofor’s movie follows the titular boy (Maxwell Simba) who is kicked out of school because his parents can’t afford tuition. Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2024 Despite the titular amalgamation, one grand party does take place at The Breakers. Katie Bowman, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2024 In comparison, the titular character Mea shined in countless scenes and her costuming was downright invigorating. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 19 Mar. 2024 The feminist empowerment tale, directed by Ridley Scott, follows the titular Thelma (Davis) and Louise (Sarandon) who go on the run after Louise shoots Harlan Puckett (Timothy Carhart) and escapes with Thelma, kicking off a run of crimes. Wendy Naugle, Peoplemag, 19 Mar. 2024 Through a constellation of characters that orbit the titular store, Hwang explores how a person might choose to counter workism without rejecting work entirely, and how a meaningful life might be built by applying oneself to even the most pleasurable pastimes. Apoorva Tadepalli, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2024 On Monday, Netflix unveiled a new Nordic noir series, Harry Hole (working title), based on Nesbo’s novel The Devil’s Star, the fifth in his Harry Hole series about the obsessive, brilliant but introverted titular homicide detective. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'titular.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of titular was in 1540

Dictionary Entries Near titular

Cite this Entry

“Titular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/titular. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

titular

adjective
tit·​u·​lar
ˈtich-(ə-)lər
: being something in title only : nominal
the titular head of state
titularly adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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