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.
Turning to the audience, Martin quickly clarified that Wayward itself is not a heavy watch despite its serious subject matter. Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025 The potential respondents or defendants are then provided with an opportunity to make a submission to the Commission, referred to as a Wells submission, setting forth their position on the subject matter of the investigation. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025 Going to the movies has been a real adventure lately, both in terms of subject matter and, more importantly, quality. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 24 Oct. 2025 This is hot-button subject matter, no doubt, presented in a way that could reinforce the left’s worst beliefs about the right and make the right think the left sees them all as awful, racist woods-dwellers. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 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 26 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!