subtitles

word · lemma: subtitle

/ˈsəbˌtaɪtəɫz/
SUHB-ty-tuhlz
/sˈʌbtaɪtəlz/
SUHB-ty-tuhlz

Definition

Words shown at the bottom of a screen that give the spoken dialogue in the same language or another language. They help people understand movies, shows, and videos.

Usage & Nuances

Usually plural: 'subtitles'. For another language, people often say 'English subtitles' or 'Spanish subtitles'. Don't confuse with 'captions': captions can also include sounds like [music] or [door closes], especially for accessibility.

Example Sentences

I watch movies with subtitles.

basic

These subtitles are too small.

basic

I missed that line—were the subtitles on?

natural

Can you turn on the subtitles?

basic

The subtitles are out of sync with the audio.

natural

I usually keep subtitles on, even in English.

natural