caption
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for caption, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A short piece of text that explains or accompanies an image, video, or on-screen dialogue.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use caption
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin captio, "a taking, a seizing," from capio, "to take" — the sense shifted over time from a legal "taking" to the modern "heading" or "label."
Full origin of caption →Frequently asked questions
What does “caption” mean?
The word “caption” means a short piece of text that explains or accompanies an image, video, or on-screen dialogue. In plain terms, the label or short text under a picture, or the subtitles on a video.
How do you pronounce “caption”?
“Caption” is pronounced KAP-shuhn (/ˈkæp.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “caption” in a sentence?
Here is “caption” used in a sentence: “The photo's caption identified everyone standing in the group shot.”
What part of speech is “caption”?
Depending on how it is used, “caption” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “caption” come from?
The word “caption” comes from Latin. From Latin captio, "a taking, a seizing," from capio, "to take" — the sense shifted over time from a legal "taking" to the modern "heading" or "label.".
Is “caption” a common word?
“Caption” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “caption” have?
“Caption” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short piece of text that explains or accompanies an image, video, or on-screen dialogue.
What is the difference between a caption and a subtitle?
A caption is a short piece of text that explains or accompanies an image, video, or on-screen dialogue, and can include descriptions of sound as well as speech. A subtitle specifically transcribes spoken dialogue, usually for translation or accessibility, and does not typically describe non-speech sounds.
Do you caption a photo or write a caption for it?
Both phrasings are correct: caption can be used as a verb meaning to add a caption to an image, film, or broadcast, as in "caption the photo," or as a noun in "write a caption for the photo." The verb form directly means to perform the act of adding the text.
What is the difference between a caption and a headline?
A caption is text that explains or accompanies an image, video, or on-screen dialogue, tying it directly to that visual content. A headline sits atop an article and introduces the whole piece of writing, not a specific image.