title

A title is a name or designation assigned to a person, work, object, or entity to identify it, distinguish it from others, and convey information about its nature or status. The term is used across many domains, with overlapping but distinct meanings.

In literature, film, music, and other media, a title names a work and may reflect its theme, subject, or tone. Titles may be singular or compound, and capitalization often follows style guides. A working or provisional title may be used during development and later replaced.

In social and legal contexts, a title can express rank or honor (such as Sir, Lord, Doctor) or confer status. In real estate and taxation, a title indicates legal ownership of property and is documented in a title deed; the chain of title tracks previous ownership transfers.

In publishing and information science, the title is a primary metadata field and appears on title pages and catalogs. Titles are subject to rules for capitalization and punctuation, and may be abbreviated or translated in catalogs.

In competitive contexts, a championship or other achievement may be referred to as a title, as in holding the title. Titles therefore play a role in branding, the measurement of ownership, and social etiquette.