content

noun

con·​tent ˈkän-ˌtent 

1

a

: something contained

—usually used in plural

the jar's contents

the drawer's contents

emptied his pocket of its contents

b

: the topics or matter treated in a written work

a summary of the book's content

The chapters included can be found in the table of contents.

c

: the principal substance (such as written matter, images, music, etc.) offered by a website or on social media

… social media platforms … have also built out offerings to attract this kind of content in recent years …

—Wyatte Grantham-Philips

It can be a tough world for the local newspaper in this modern age. We're competing against free content on the internet.

—Scott Rains

2

a

: substance, gist

talks a lot but the words lack content

b

: meaning, significance

the argument lacks content

c

: the events, physical detail, and information in a work of art compare form sense 10c

The film was rated R for its violent content.

… strategically employs the style to indicate to her viewers the kind of content her art embodies.

—Glen R. Brown

3

a

: the matter dealt with in a field of study

… the content of sociology is inexhaustible …

—Franklin H. Giddings

b

: a part, element, or complex of parts

content of consciousness

4

: the amount of specified material contained : proportion

the sulfur content in coal

… bittersweet chocolates generally have a more pronounced chocolate flavor due to a lower sugar content …

—Sam Gugino

Synonyms of content

• topic
• matter
• theme
• motif
• subject
• question

Examples of content in a Sentence

although I appreciate the poem's lyrical qualities, I don't understand its content

judging from the table of contents, I'd have to say that this book covers most of the major topics in American history

the speech was filled with fine words but devoid of any real content

Recent Examples on the Web

No matter the content of these stories, their hidden subject seemed to be the unavoidable and imminent loss of these men. —Literary Hub, 10 June 2026

Thanks, as always, for the great content every morning and throughout the day. —Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026

Once complete, the approximately 4,600-square-foot installation will showcase art, music and historical content and is expected to be visible from as far as a mile away. —Eva Andersen, CBS News, 9 June 2026

Soaking, fermenting or cooking these foods reduces phytate content and improves mineral availability. —Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin contentum (usually in plural contenta), noun derivative from neuter past participle of Latin continēre "to hold together, restrain, have as contents" — more at contain

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing content

• content analysis
• content management system
• content oneself with
• content word
• self-content
• to one's heart's content

Kids Definition

content

1 of 4 adjective

con·​tent kən-ˈtent 

: pleased and satisfied with what one has or is

content

2 of 4 verb

: to make content : satisfy

content

3 of 4 noun

: contentment

especially : freedom from care or discomfort

content

4 of 4 noun

con·​tent ˈkän-ˌtent 

1

a

: something contained

—usually used in plural

the contents of a jar

b

: the subject, topics, or material presented (as in a book or on a website)

table of contents

online content

2

: the essential meaning

I enjoy the rhythm of the poem but I don't understand its content

3

: an amount that is contained or can be contained

oil with a high content of sulfur

the jug has a content of four liters

Medical Definition

content

noun

con·​tent ˈkän-ˌtent 

1

: something contained

—usually used in plural

the stomach contents

2

: the subject matter or symbolic significance of something see latent content, manifest content

3

: the amount of specified material contained

the sulfur content of a sample