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

Structured learning about areas of current work is appreciated but sit-and-get workshops on topics that are not connected to felt needs are viewed as a poor use of scarce time. —Linda Darling-Hammond, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Iran and the pre-midterm election economy are topics expected to dominate Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, one of almost a dozen convened by Trump during his second administration and most of which have been open to the press corps. —Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 26 May 2026

Whether the topic is phones or AI, many of us reflexively pit ourselves against our kids instead of approaching these conversations in a way that strengthens our relationship with them. —Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 26 May 2026

Matthew Hussey and Gabby Bernstein are authors whose popularity stems from fostering deeply human conversations about topics like authenticity, personal connections, and vulnerability. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 26 May 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)