# subtitle

/ˈsəbˌtaɪtəɫ/ (US) · /sˈʌbtaɪtəl/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/subtitle
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the text at the bottom of a screen that shows what people are saying in a movie or show. You use these when you watch something in a foreign language or cannot hear the sound.

For teachers: a textual representation of the spoken dialogue in a film or television programme, typically displayed at the bottom of the screen. Often used to translate foreign-language content or assist viewers with hearing impairments.

## Examples

- I always turn on the subtitle when watching foreign films.
- The documentary was much easier to follow once I enabled the English subtitle for the interviews.
- While the translation was generally accurate, the subtitle occasionally failed to capture the subtle wordplay and cultural nuances present in the original script.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the plural form when referring to the entire set of text for a film.

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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.