What does superscription mean?
A superscription is writing placed above another piece of writing, especially a heading or title. The term is also used for words or notation added above a signature, date, coin design, or manuscript text. It is a formal, specialist word, so most speakers would say heading or title in ordinary conversation, while superscription remains useful when the exact position of the writing matters. Its formation reflects its meaning: the Latin prefix super- means “above,” and the root scribere means “to write.” Superscriptions can identify a text, specify its authorship or date, or provide instructions about the writing beneath them. Although relatively uncommon, the word is especially appropriate in descriptions of historical manuscripts, inscriptions, coins, archival documents, and carefully designed printed pages.
nounA heading or title written above another piece of writing. More generally, the word may refer to the act of writing something above an existing text or to words written above a signature, date, or other inscription.
- A heading or title written above a body of text.
- Words or a notation written above an existing inscription, signature, or other text.
"The manuscript's elaborate superscription announces the title and the names of its authors."
"The chapter title appears as a superscription above the text."
"A date in small lettering forms part of the superscription."
The plural is superscriptions, commonly used when referring to multiple headings or inscriptions placed above text.
"Several superscriptions identify the volumes as parts of a larger collection."
From the Latin super- (“above”) and scribere (“to write”), a superscription is literally writing placed above something else.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does superscription come from?
Superscription comes from Latin superscriptio, a noun formed from superscribere, meaning “to write above.” The components are the Latin prefix super-, meaning “above” or “over,” and scribere, meaning “to write.” English borrowed the word through Latin and Old French, with the modern form appearing in English during the early modern period.
Related word forms
How superscription is actually used
The word is formal and relatively uncommon in everyday speech. In typography and manuscript studies, it is more precise than heading because it specifically refers to writing positioned above other writing.
Easily confused with superscription
An inscription may be written on or within a surface, whereas a superscription is specifically positioned above other writing.