topic

noun

top·​ic ˈtä-pik 

1

a

: the subject of a discourse or of a section of a discourse

b

: a heading in an outlined argument or exposition

2

a

: argument, reason

b

: one of the general forms of argument employed in probable reasoning

Synonyms of topic

• theme
• matter
• subject
• question
• motif

Examples of topic in a Sentence

He is comfortable discussing a wide range of topics.

topics such as health and fitness

Recent Examples on the Web

Conversely, Morio is desperate to have kids, but any effort to discuss the topic with his wife is quickly dismissed. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

Many environmental groups are torn on the topic but still lean toward opposing the legislation. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

Hyun, who has made AI films including Crypto Man and Genfluencer, expanded on this topic. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026

Here’s what Jeff Hafley said about Willis and other topics after the game. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin Topica Topics (work by Aristotle), from Greek Topika, from topika, neuter plural of topikos of a place, of a topos, from topos place, topos

First Known Use

circa 1569, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Phrases Containing topic

• sub-topic
• topic of discussion
• topic sentence

Rhymes for topic

• tropic
• adrenocorticotropic
• allotropic
• arthroscopic
• barotropic
• cystoscopic
• endoscopic
• gyroscopic
• hygroscopic
• isentropic
• isotopic
• isotropic

Kids Definition

topic

noun

top·​ic ˈtäp-ik 

1

: a heading in an outline of a subject or explanation

2

: the subject or a section of a subject (as of a speech or a report)