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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Over 10 freewheeling tracks, the band successfully weaves even more of their mythos, while spinning into new genres, tackling new subject matter and having the most fun possible while doing it all. Stephen Daw, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025 Her subject matters have always been serious, but the artist has struggled with how the art institutions responded to her work. Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025 In her filing, Krebs describes a professional trajectory that began in 2000 at the Richmond Post and included work as a forensic artist and subject matter expert in human trafficking and missing-persons investigations. Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025 Think of the content, not the subject matter. Grace Edquist, Vogue, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subject matter

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subject matter was in 1657

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subject%20matter. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

subject matter

noun
: matter presented for consideration in discussion, thought, or study
the poem's subject matter

More from Merriam-Webster on subject matter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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