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

Others, like Margaret Cho, are keeping the topic top of mind. — Krystie Yandoli, USA Today, 1 July 2026

Red-light therapy for hair growth went from a niche topic to a popular solution for thin hair—understandably. — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 1 July 2026

Midfielder Weston McKennie said the red card was a hot topic in the locker room. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026

The World Cup was a vehicle Grant used to drive conversations about topics bigger than sports yet woven into their very fabric. — Sam McDowell 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 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)