subject matter

noun

: matter presented for consideration in discussion, thought, or study

Examples of subject matter in a Sentence

I found the film's subject matter to be quite disturbing.

She disapproves of the artist's choice of subject matter.

Recent Examples on the Web

Only by involving multiple subject matter experts can the government ensure that the best projects — ones that will yield technological and biomedical advances aligned with broad national and international interests — are supported. — Felix V. Matos Rodriguez, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026

Both artists were fascinated by the raw potential represented by organic subject matter. — News Desk, Artforum, 17 July 2026

But in its subject matter, form, and style, the Harlem Trilogy is crime fiction without apology and little interest in irony or distancing effects. — David Hajdu, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026

The lawsuit spotlights ongoing industry concerns about the mental health of crew and producers, including those working on documentaries dealing with traumatic subject matters. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subject matter

• antimatter
• atter
• batter
• blatter
• catarrh
• chatter
• clatter
• fatter
• flatter
• hatter
• latter
• natter

Kids Definition

subject matter

noun

: matter presented for consideration in discussion, thought, or study

the poem's subject matter