chyron: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 / Low-frequency specialized termSpecialized / Media / Journalism / Formal
Quick answer
What does “chyron” mean?
A graphic overlay, often a scrolling text strip, displayed at the bottom of a television screen during a broadcast.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A graphic overlay, often a scrolling text strip, displayed at the bottom of a television screen during a broadcast.
1. Any text-based information graphic superimposed on a video broadcast (e.g., news ticker, name/role caption). 2. By metonymy, the department or technology responsible for creating such graphics.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the US, 'chyron' is a widely recognized generic term in broadcast media. In the UK, the term 'ASTON' (a rival brand name) is often used in professional contexts, but 'caption', 'super', or 'lower third' are more common generic terms. 'Chyron' is understood but less prevalent in UK broadcast jargon.
Connotations
US: Technical, industry-standard. UK: Recognized as an Americanism or specific brand.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English within media/journalism contexts. Rare in general British English.
Grammar
How to Use “chyron” in a Sentence
The [noun] chyron displayed [information].The producer asked to [verb] a chyron.A chyron with [details] appeared.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chyron” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The director asked to caption the interviewee's name.
- We need to super his title.
American English
- Chyron her name and affiliation now.
- We need to chyron the updated poll numbers.
adjective
British English
- The caption operator is ready.
- The lower-third graphics were prepared.
American English
- The chyron operator missed the cue.
- We have a chyron error on the main feed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in media business discussions about broadcast production.
Academic
Used in media studies, journalism, or communication courses.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Only used when discussing TV production specifics.
Technical
Standard term in television production, broadcast engineering, and newsroom operations.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chyron”
- Spelling: 'Chiron', 'Chyran'. Using it to refer to any on-screen graphic, including large bugs/logos. Using it in non-broadcast contexts (e.g., for YouTube captions).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It originated as a brand name (from the company Chyron Corporation) but has become a genericized trademark, especially in American English, for any similar on-screen text generator or graphic.
Subtitles are primarily a translation or transcription of spoken dialogue for accessibility. A chyron provides additional, non-dialogue information (like a speaker's name, location, headlines) and is integral to the broadcast's graphics package.
Yes, in American broadcast jargon, it is common to use it as a verb meaning 'to add a text graphic' (e.g., "Chyron his title"). This usage is less common in British English.
No, it is a low-frequency specialized term. It is only essential for learners specifically interested in media, journalism, or television production.
A graphic overlay, often a scrolling text strip, displayed at the bottom of a television screen during a broadcast.
Chyron is usually specialized / media / journalism / formal in register.
Chyron: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkaɪ.rɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkaɪ.rɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get it on the chyron!”
- “Watch the chyron for updates.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A CHYron CYcles information Horizontally On the News.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEXT IS A BAND/RIVER (scrolling, flowing, streaming text).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'chyron' MOST appropriately used?