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

Woman of Tomorrow, due in theaters June 26, 2026, will introduce House of the Dragon star Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El, the titular hero. —Jack Smart, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024

Turning her focus to the screen, Lavin broke big playing the titular character in CBS’ Alice. —Samantha Highfill, EW.com, 30 Dec. 2024

Coppola chose Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder as his leads—both of whom struggled enormously with their accents—only salvaging this casting disaster by picking Gary Oldman for the titular role, and topping that off with Anthony Hopkins as Van Helsing. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024

Aside from a refreshingly unresolved ending (with a brief appearance from the titular apparatus), The Kissing Booth 3 is a desultory conclusion to a mostly upbeat series. —Josh Bell, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024

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