# subtitled

/ˈsəbˌtaɪtəɫd/ (US) · /sˈʌbtaɪtəld/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/subtitled
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

to provide a written translation of the spoken words in a movie or show so that people who speak a different language can understand them.

For teachers: to provide a written translation of dialogue or sound effects in a film or television programme for an audience that does not speak the original language.

## Examples

- The studio subtitled the film for the international market.
- The documentary was subtitled in several languages to ensure that the global audience could follow the complex scientific discussion.
- While some critics argue that subtitled films lose the nuance of the original performance, others maintain that the written text allows for a more precise understanding of the dialogue.

---

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.