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

• 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

Data-sharing agreements on topics like border control, financial transactions or intelligence cooperation can easily become politically volatile. —Majeed Javdani, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025

Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans. —Arkansas Online, 25 Aug. 2025

At the facility, the newest officers from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations arm will undergo an eight-week training course covering topics ranging from immigration law to firearms and driving safety before they are sent to a field office to begin working alongside their peers. —Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 23 Aug. 2025

The two dove into a wide range of topics, including the ongoing ordeal with Parsons. —Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025

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)