WordGarden.iotitle
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈaɪtəl/
US
- /ˈtaɪtəl/
Meanings
Noun
the name or heading of a book, article, artwork, page, or similar work
a word or phrase showing a person's job, rank, or formal status
an honorific or rank attached to a person's name or status
More meaningsFewer meanings
a legal right to own property, or the document proving that right
a championship or first-place honor in a sport or competition
Verb
to give a name or heading to a book, article, artwork, page, or similar work
Beyond the definition
A "title" can mean several things. Most often, it is the name of a book, movie, song, or article. It can also mean someone's official rank or position, such as "Doctor," "Professor," or "King." In law, it can mean the document or legal right that shows who owns something, such as a car or a house. In sports, it can mean being the champion, as in winning a world title.
In all these cases, the idea is similar: it names, identifies, or gives status to a person, thing, or achievement.
The word "title" is very flexible, and its meaning depends on the situation. At its core, a title is a name or label that identifies something. Most commonly, it is the name of a creative work such as a book, film, play, song, or article. A title often gives the first clue about what the work is about and helps people recognize it. For example, Pride and Prejudice is the title of Jane Austen's novel.
But the word is used far beyond art and writing. It can also refer to someone's official position, rank, or status. A title like "Doctor," "Professor," "Sir," or "Lord" shows a person's role, honor, or social standing. In many cases, such titles also suggest authority, training, or respect.
The word also has an important legal meaning. When you buy property such as land, a house, or a vehicle, the title is the legal right or document that shows ownership. If you hold the title to a car, for example, it proves that the car legally belongs to you.
In sports and other competitions, a title is the honor of being a champion. A boxer may win a world title, or a team may win a league title. After that, they may have to defend it against others who want to take that place.
Finally, the word can also mean a heading for a section of a larger work, such as a chapter title or a section title. Whether it names a story, marks a person's rank, proves ownership, or shows who the champion is, "title" is a word connected with identity, status, and recognition.
Examples
- 1
Movie name
I can't remember the title of the movie we watched last night.
- 2
Presentation name
She changed the title of her presentation the night before the meeting.
- 3
Job title
"Senior Designer" is the job title listed in his contract.
- 4
Sports championship
She won the national title in her second year on the team.
- Patternwin a title
become the champion in a sport or competition
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Publication name
The novel was published in the US under a different title.
- Phraseunder a different title
with a different name
- 6
Formal address
Please use her full title when you introduce her.
- 7
Article name
The article is titled "Why Cities Need More Trees."
- Patternbe titled + name
have that as its name
- 8
Property ownership
The title to the house is in both their names.
- Domaintitle to property
the legal right to own it
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- titlenounverb
Forms
- titlespluralnounverb
- titledpast tenseverbnoun
- titling-ing formverbnoun