1
a
: a subject or topic of discourse or of artistic representation
guilt and punishment is the theme of the story
b
: a specific and distinctive quality, characteristic, or concern
the campaign has lacked a theme
2
: a melodic subject of a musical composition or movement
3
: a written exercise : composition
a research theme
4
Examples of theme in a Sentence
If one theme unites his scholarship it is that the Old South cannot be viewed as a monolith.
—
Eric Foner, New York Times Book Review, 8 Apr. 2007
One reiterated theme of his book is that the electoral process can be the most dangerous of delusions, tending to confer a spurious legitimacy on those most willing to corrupt it.
—Hilary Mantel, New York Review, 21 Sept. 2006
The Eve of biblical legend was a temptress, thus initiating a lamentable theme in the history of sexism.
—Stephen Jay Gould, Discover, July 1992
The quest for power is the underlying theme of the film.
A constant theme in his novels is religion.
The playwright skillfully brings together various themes.
The album focuses on themes of love and loss.
Adventures are popular themes in children's books.
The growing deficit was a dominant theme in the election.
The party had a Hawaiian luau theme.
They played the theme from the movie “Rocky.”
Eric Foner, New York Times Book Review, 8 Apr. 2007
One reiterated theme of his book is that the electoral process can be the most dangerous of delusions, tending to confer a spurious legitimacy on those most willing to corrupt it.
—Hilary Mantel, New York Review, 21 Sept. 2006
The Eve of biblical legend was a temptress, thus initiating a lamentable theme in the history of sexism.
—Stephen Jay Gould, Discover, July 1992
The quest for power is the underlying theme of the film.
A constant theme in his novels is religion.
The playwright skillfully brings together various themes.
The album focuses on themes of love and loss.
Adventures are popular themes in children's books.
The growing deficit was a dominant theme in the election.
The party had a Hawaiian luau theme.
They played the theme from the movie “Rocky.”
Recent Examples on the Web
Your pumpkins are styled on the front porch, colorful mums are blooming by the door, and Halloween decorations have transformed the house with the perfect fall theme—but there’s just one thing missing.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2025
Known for its commitment to books with rural, communal and environmental themes, Red Dragonfly has been a part of Minnesota’s literary landscape for more than two decades.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025
Tie the drink’s ingredients or theme into something that pertains to the couple’s interests or history.
—Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
If that stretch wasn’t enough, Florida returned to another head-scratching theme — an inability to field 11 players — in the fourth quarter.
—Matt Baker, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theme
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Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2025
Known for its commitment to books with rural, communal and environmental themes, Red Dragonfly has been a part of Minnesota’s literary landscape for more than two decades.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025
Tie the drink’s ingredients or theme into something that pertains to the couple’s interests or history.
—Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
If that stretch wasn’t enough, Florida returned to another head-scratching theme — an inability to field 11 players — in the fourth quarter.
—Matt Baker, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theme
Cite this Entry
“Theme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theme. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
theme
noun1
a
: a subject for a work of literature, art, or music
guilt and punishment is the theme of the story
b
: a specific and distinctive quality, characteristic, or concern
the house was decorated in a country theme
2
: a written exercise : composition
thematic
adjective
thi-ˈmat-ik
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