# entitle

/ɛnˈtaɪtəɫ/ (US) · /ɛntˈaɪtəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/entitle
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to give a right

verb · CEFR B2

to give someone the official or legal right to do or have something.

For teachers: to confer a legal right or a just claim to receive or do something; frequently used in the passive voice followed by 'to'.

- This membership card entitles you to a ten percent discount on all books.
- The new legislation entitles citizens to access their personal data held by private corporations without paying an administrative fee.

Usage: Commonly used in the passive: 'be entitled to [noun/verb]'.

### 2. to name a work

verb · CEFR B2

to give a title to a book, movie, song, or piece of writing.

For teachers: to bestow a title upon a literary or artistic work.

- She decided to entitle her first novel 'The Long Road Home'.
- The author chose to entitle the final chapter 'Resurrection', providing a thematic bookend to the protagonist's journey.

Usage: Often used in the passive: 'a book entitled...'.

### 3. to give a rank

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to give someone a special name or rank, like 'Sir' or 'Lord'.

For teachers: to dignify a person by bestowing an honorary designation or noble title.

- The king chose to entitle the general as a Duke after the war.
- Historical records indicate that the monarch intended to entitle his closest advisors to ensure their loyalty during the transition of power.

## Examples

- This ticket entitles you to a free drink at the bar.
- The new law will entitle part-time workers to the same health benefits as full-time staff.
- While the contract does entitle the author to a share of the profits, it does not grant them final approval over the marketing campaign or the cover design.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.