Title is the correct spelling for the name of a book, article, or person’s position, while tittle means a small dot or mark, such as the dot over an i or j.
A single extra letter can make a word look wrong. This is why many people search for tittle or title when writing a heading, book name, article name, or school assignment. Although the two words look very similar, they do not have the same meaning.
If you mean the name of a book, article, movie, lesson, or other piece of work, the correct word is title. Tittle is a real English word, but it has a very different and much less common meaning. It refers to a small mark or dot used in writing, especially the dot over a lowercase i or j.
The confusion often happens because tittle and title sound very similar in normal speech. English spelling can also be tricky because adding one letter can completely change a word’s meaning.
In this guide, we will explain tittle or title in simple English. You will learn their meanings, origins, British and American usage, common mistakes, everyday examples, and an easy way to remember which word to use.
Tittle or Title – Quick Answer
Title is the correct word when you mean the name of a book, article, movie, person, or piece of work.
Tittle is a different word. It means a small mark or dot in writing.
Examples
- What is the title of this book?
- The article has an interesting title.
- The dot above the letter i is called a tittle.
Easy Tip:
Title = name or heading
Tittle = small dot or mark
The Origin of Tittle or Title
The words title and tittle have different histories.
Title comes from the Latin word titulus, which referred to an inscription, label, or heading. Over time, the word developed several meanings, including the name of a written work and a name or rank given to a person.
Tittle comes from an older word related to the idea of a small mark or stroke. It is connected to the Latin titulus as well, but its meaning developed in a different direction.
Today, title is extremely common. We use it for books, films, articles, jobs, ranks, and headings. Tittle is much less common and is mainly used when discussing writing, typography, or the small marks found on letters.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no British-American spelling difference for these words.
| Version | Spelling | Region | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name or heading | Title | US & UK | The title of the book is memorable. |
| Small mark or dot | Tittle | US & UK | The tittle appears above the lowercase i. |
Both British and American English use title and tittle with the same meanings.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
US Audience
Use title when talking about the name of a book, article, movie, or other work.
Use tittle only when you specifically mean a small mark or dot in writing.
UK/Commonwealth Audience
The same rule applies. British English uses title and tittle in the same way as American English.
Global/SEO Audience
If you are writing about headings, books, articles, movies, or names, use title.
If your content discusses typography or punctuation marks, tittle may be the correct word.
For an SEO article targeting tittle or title, mention both naturally so readers can understand why they are different.
Common Mistakes with Tittle or Title
Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
❌ What is the tittle of your book?
✅ What is the title of your book?
❌ Please add a clear tittle to the article.
✅ Please add a clear title to the article.
❌ The title is the dot above the letter i.
✅ The tittle is the dot above the letter i.
❌ I need a good tittle for my blog post.
✅ I need a good title for my blog post.
Tittle or Title in Everyday Examples
Emails
- Please confirm the title of the report.
- I have updated the email title.
News Headlines
- New Study Reveals the Title of the Upcoming Report.
- Researchers Explain the History of the Letter’s Tittle.
Social Media
- I need a catchy title for my new video.
- Did you know the dot over i has a name? It is called a tittle.
Formal Writing
- The title of the research paper should clearly describe its subject.
- The tittle is a small typographic mark associated with certain letters.
Tittle or Title – Google Trends & Usage
The word title is much more common because it has many everyday uses. People regularly use it when talking about books, articles, movies, songs, jobs, awards, and headings.
Tittle is a much less common word. It usually appears in discussions about typography, writing systems, dictionaries, language, and the design of letters.
People who search for tittle or title are often checking whether they have spelled the word for a heading or name correctly. In most everyday situations, the word they need is title.
For SEO content, use title naturally when discussing headings and names. Mention tittle when explaining its special meaning. This gives readers a clear answer without repeating the keyword too often.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Title | Tittle |
|---|---|---|
| Standard English word | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Means name or heading | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Means small mark or dot | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Used for book names | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Used for article headings | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Used in typography | Sometimes | ✅ Yes |
| British English | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| American English | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Common in everyday writing | ✅ Very common | ❌ Uncommon |
FAQs
Is it tittle or title?
Both are real words, but title is correct when you mean the name or heading of something.
What does title mean?
A title can be the name of a book, article, movie, song, or other work. It can also refer to a person’s rank or position.
What does tittle mean?
A tittle is a small mark or dot used in writing. The dot above a lowercase i or j is commonly called a tittle.
Is tittle a misspelling of title?
Not always. Tittle is a real English word, but it has a different meaning. It is incorrect if you mean the name of a book, article, or movie.
Is title spelled the same in British and American English?
Yes. Title has the same spelling in both British and American English.
What is the dot over the letter i called?
The dot over a lowercase i is called a tittle.
How can I remember tittle or title?
Remember: title = name or heading, while tittle = tiny mark. The extra t in tittle can remind you that it refers to a tiny mark.
Conclusion
When choosing between tittle or title, the correct word depends on what you mean. If you are talking about the name of a book, article, movie, song, report, or other work, use title. It is by far the more common word in everyday English.
Tittle is also a correct English word, but it has a special meaning. It refers to a small mark or dot used in writing. One familiar example is the dot above a lowercase i or j.
There is no spelling difference between British and American English for these words. Both varieties use title and tittle in the same way.
The easiest way to remember the difference is simple: title means a name or heading, while tittle means a tiny mark. If you are writing an article, book, email, report, or social media post and need to name it, choose title.
Understanding this small difference can help you avoid spelling mistakes and make your writing clearer. When in doubt, ask yourself what you mean: a name or heading? Title. A tiny mark? Tittle.
