What does mistitle mean?
Mistitle means to give something the wrong title. It is a specific and relatively uncommon verb, especially associated with books, manuscripts, artworks, catalogues, and legal documents. If an editor mistitles a novel, for example, the work may be recorded under a title that does not correctly identify it. The word carries a slightly formal and technical tone, suggesting careful attention to naming, classification, or bibliographic accuracy. Unlike the broader misname, which can refer to any incorrect personal or descriptive name, mistitle focuses specifically on titles. It is also distinct from mislabel, which can refer to labels or categories more generally. Understanding mistitle is useful in discussions of publishing, archives, scholarship, and intellectual-property issues, where the precise title of a work can affect identification, attribution, and access.
verbTo give an incorrect or misleading title to a work, document, object, or other subject. The word is uncommon and is mainly used in editorial, bibliographical, and legal contexts.
- To assign an incorrect title to a person, work, document, or other entity.
"The catalogue mistakenly mistitled the manuscript, causing confusion among researchers."
"The publisher was accused of mistitling the novel when it appeared under a different name."
"An error in the index led to several entries being mistitled."
Mistitle is a precise, uncommon verb for putting the wrong title on something—ideal when a title itself is the source of the mistake.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mistitle come from?
Mistitle was formed in English by combining the prefix mis-, meaning wrongly or incorrectly, with title. Title itself comes through Old French from Latin titulus, a term associated with a label, inscription, or heading. The prefix gives the modern compound its sense of assigning a title incorrectly.
Related word forms
How mistitle is actually used
Mistitle is relatively rare and has a formal, specialist feel. It is most often used when discussing the titling of books, manuscripts, artworks, or legal documents.
Easily confused with mistitle
Misname refers more broadly to calling someone or something by the wrong name, whereas mistitle specifically concerns an incorrect title or designation.
Mislabel usually means attaching an incorrect label or category to something, while mistitle focuses specifically on its title.