What does title mean?
Title is a formal, flexible word with several connected meanings. Most commonly, it is the name given to a book, film, song, or other creative work. It can also mean a heading at the top of a page or the official name, designation, or rank attached to a person, document, or position. In legal language, a person may hold title to land or property, meaning ownership or the right to possess it. In sport, a title is the championship or distinction won by a competitor, and in general use it can suggest status or prestige. As a verb, title means to give a work or person a name or formal designation. As an adjective, it appears chiefly in phrases such as “title role” and “title track,” where it identifies the principal work or the main named character. The word’s range—from a simple heading to social standing or legal ownership—makes it useful wherever naming and authority are connected. It is normally neutral, though titles won through achievement can carry a connotation of prestige or superiority.
The name of a creative work, the heading of a document or page, an official designation or rank, a championship, or a legally recognized right to property.
"The film’s title appears in simple white lettering."
The meaning varies by context: it may identify a work, confer rank or distinction, or denote ownership of property.
To give a specified name or formal designation to a work, person, or other subject.
"The editor titled the revised edition Introduction to Linguistics."
This use is neutral to formal and is especially common in publishing, film, and media.
Relating to or serving as the title of a work, especially the principal named work or character.
"The title character returns at the end of the film."
This is chiefly an attributive use, occurring in fixed expressions such as “title role,” “title sequence,” and “title track.”
The plural is used for multiple works, names, or formal distinctions.
"Several titles were shortlisted for the award."
A title began as an inscription; today the same word can name a famous song or crown a champion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of title
The English word entered Middle English from Anglo-French and Old French titre, ultimately from Latin titulus, meaning an inscription, heading, or title. The same Latin root underlies words such as titular and tittle, while titulate derives from Latin titulare, “to title.” Its later senses extend from an inscription or heading to the name of a work and then to formal designations, distinctions, and legal entitlements.
Related word forms
How title is actually used
The noun is formal or neutral and is especially common for the names of creative works, official designations, and distinctions. In legal contexts, “title to” a property means ownership or the right to possess it. As a verb, title usually means to give a work or person a name or formal designation; as an adjective, it occurs chiefly in expressions such as “title role” and “title track.”
Easily confused with title
Tidal relates to the tides, while title names a work, designation, status, or legal right.
A tittle is a small dot or other mark above a letter, whereas a title is a name, heading, or designation.