titular

1 of 2

adjective

tit·​u·​lar ˈti-chə-lər 

ˈtich-lər

1

a

: having the title and usually the honors belonging to an office or dignity without the duties, functions, or responsibilities

the titular head of a political party

b

: existing in title only

especially : bearing a title derived from a defunct ecclesiastical jurisdiction (such as an episcopal see)

a titular bishop

2

: of, relating to, or constituting a title

the titular hero of the play

3

: bearing a title : titled

titularly adverb

titular

2 of 2

noun

: a person holding a title

Synonyms

Adjective

• formal
• nominal
• paper

Examples of titular in a Sentence

Adjective

Although retired, he remains the titular chairman of the company.

he's the titular head of the department, though it's the assistant managers who largely run things around here

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Plot details are still scarce, but the show will follow the lives of first responders in the titular Tennessee city. —Joe Otterson, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025

The Pittsburgh rapper’s bringing the feeling back, and even sampling the titular System of a Down banger from 2001. —Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 17 Mar. 2025

In the popular fairytale Cinderella, the titular character was burdened with endless chores while her stepsisters and stepmother relaxed, never lifting a finger. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

Rudd has starred in four Marvel films as the titular Ant-Man, the thief turned shape-shifting micro-supe known to his friends as Scott Lang. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 17 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin titulus title

First Known Use

Adjective

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1540, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for titular

• capitular

Kids Definition

titular

adjective

tit·​u·​lar

ˈtich-(ə-)lər

: being something in title only : nominal

the titular head of state

titularly adverb