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

The Hernandez shooting came as the Legislature returned from its spring recess and engaged in a flurry of committee hearings to vet bills across all topics. —Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026

On the latest episode of Eye on the U, Miami Herald Hurricanes beat writer Jordan McPherson and deputy sports editor Andre Fernandez talk a myriad of topics surrounding the Hurricanes. —Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026

Since reaching his mid-thirties, the topic of Neuer’s succession has been on steady play in the German media. —Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026

A lot of thought and care was put into these covers on topics that might be considered mundane. —Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 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
• anisotropic
• gonadotropic
• heterotopic
• kaleidoscopic
• ophthalmoscopic
• stereoscopic
• submicroscopic
• anthropic
• atopic
• ectopic

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)