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

Set for release on July 11, Superman stars David Corenswet in the titular role. —Natalie Sitek, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2025

Sorvino and Kudrow will reprise their titular roles, and this time around also serve as executive producers. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 7 Feb. 2025

Gellar is expected to reprise her career-defining role as titular slayer Buffy Summers, but the new series will follow a new slayer with the actress slated to appear in a recurring role. —Esther Kang, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025

To cast his titular role, Audiard began by looking for younger singers, but eventually realized that older actresses Saldaña and Gascón might mesh well together. —Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 4 Feb. 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

Kids Definition

titular

adjective

tit·​u·​lar

ˈtich-(ə-)lər

: being something in title only : nominal

the titular head of state

titularly adverb