Cutline

/ˈkʌtˌlaɪn/ noun

Definition

A caption or brief explanatory text printed below a photograph or illustration in a newspaper, magazine, or publication.

Etymology

From 'cut' (the printing block or engraved illustration) and 'line' (a line of text). In printing history, 'cuts' were the actual engraved blocks used to print images, and the line of text below them became known as the cutline.

Kelly Says

Cutlines are one of the most underrated parts of journalism—studies show that people read cutlines more often than the actual article text, making them incredibly important for telling the real story of a photo!

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