What does retitled mean?
Retitled means that the title of a work or event has been changed. The expression is especially common in publishing and entertainment, where a book, film, album, television series, or similar production may be given a new name before release or as part of a later revision. The past-participle form is also widely used adjectivally: a 'retitled version' is an existing work that has received a different title, rather than a wholly new work. Retitled can occasionally have the broader sense of naming or describing something again under another designation, though this use is less frequent. The prefix re- indicates that the original title was replaced. In ordinary conversation, people will often simply say 'renamed', but retitled is the more precise term when discussing the naming of creative works or organised events.
verbTo give a work, event, or other subject a new title. It can also mean to describe or name something again under a different designation.
- To change the title of a book, film, song, event, or similar work.
- To describe or identify something again using a different name or designation.
"The publisher retitled the novel before releasing its updated edition."
"The streaming service retitled the series after adding a new season."
"The document was retitled 'Working Draft' before its final revision."
Retitled is the publishing equivalent of a second first impression: the work remains recognizable, but its name has changed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does retitled come from?
Retitled is formed from the prefix re-, meaning 'again,' and title. Title comes through Old French from the Latin titulus, meaning 'title, label, or inscription,' and is the source of several related English words, including titular and entitlement. The formation retitle is therefore transparent in meaning: to give a title again, usually as a replacement for the previous one.
Related word forms
How retitled is actually used
The term is especially common in publishing, film, television, and media contexts. As a past-tense or past-participle form, it normally takes a direct object: 'The album was retitled.'
Easily confused with retitled
Retitled means that a work has been given a new title, whereas untitled means that it has no title.