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a title or explanation for a picture or illustration, especially in a magazine.
a heading or title, as of a chapter, article, or page.
Movies, Television. the title of a scene, the text of a speech, etc., superimposed on the film and projected onto the screen.
Law. the heading of a legal document stating the time, place, etc., of execution or performance.
to supply a caption or captions for; entitle:
to caption a photograph.
Contemporary Examples

The caption, written by Nation, reads: “Happy Birthday to one of the best people and friends in the world—Jon Broyhill!”
Jamie Kirk Hahn, Democratic Strategist, Allegedly Stabbed by Best Man Miranda Green April 24, 2013

caption: Mustafa filmed video responses to some of his lucky Twitter followers, including actress Alyssa Milano.
The Old Spice Man’s Internet Triumph Tricia Romano July 17, 2010

The Stranger turns to the camera and a caption on the screen reads: “Introducing John Hurt as the Doctor” Huh!?
A Primer For Doctor Who’s ‘Day of the Doctor’ Episode Chancellor Agard November 22, 2013

The caption reads: “Israeli Air Force Kills Children In Gaza.”
Israel, Hamas, WhatsApp and Hacked Phones in the Gaza Psy-War Itay Hod July 25, 2014

She is also drawing a new cartoon every week inspired by each episode, which fans can then caption for said prizes.
Have You Mad Men-ed Yourself? Rachel Syme August 15, 2009

Historical Examples

I find this in my notes, the caption of a day of business, and at this distance of time will not undertake to correct the entry.
Incidents of Travel in Greece, Turkey, Russia, and Poland, Vol. I (of 2) John Lloyd Stephens

Should this be unknown, a caption coined by the editors is placed in brackets.
A Syllabus of Kentucky Folk-Songs Hubert G. Shearin

I have called up that incongruous picture in memory many times since, and always to caption it with some classic title.
In the Track of the Trades Lewis R. Freeman

Reference to the scale on caption to Plate XX should be ignored.
The Winter Solstice Altars at Hano Pueblo J. Walter Fewkes

Beneath it, exactly in the center of the page, was a leaded box with the caption “A Challenge.”
The Vision Spendid William MacLeod Raine

noun
a title, brief explanation, or comment accompanying an illustration; legend
a heading, title, or headline of a chapter, article, etc
graphic material, usually containing lettering, used in television presentation
another name for subtitle (sense 2)
the formal heading of a legal document stating when, where, and on what authority it was taken or made
verb
to provide with a caption or captions
n.

late 14c., “taking, seizure,” from Old French capcion “arrest, capture, imprisonment,” or directly from Latin captionem (nominative capito) “a catching, seizing, holding, taking,” noun of action from past participle stem of capere “to take” (see capable).

From 17c. used especially in law, and there via its appearance at the head of legal document involving seizure (“Certificate of caption”, etc.), the word’s sense was extended to “the beginning of any document;” thus “heading of a chapter or section of an article” (1789), and, especially in U.S., “description or title below an illustration” (1919).
v.

by 1901, from caption (n.). Related: Captioned; captioning.