theme

noun \ ˈthēm \

Updated on: 11 Apr 2018

Definition of theme

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 : stem 4

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themed

play \ˈthēmd\ adjective

See theme defined for English-language learners

See theme defined for kids

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.”

Recent Examples of theme from the Web

The Congress programme is built around 8 core themes and Euronews met up wtih Mariya Gabriel, the European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, to discuss some of them.

— valerie sweeten, Houston Chronicle, "Condo Life:," 6 Apr. 2018
While the silence in A Quiet Place can be deafening, the parental themes and refreshing horror conceit speak volumes.

— brian truitt, USA TODAY, "Review: The silence is terrifying in John Krasinski's 'Quiet Place'," 5 Apr. 2018
The Starz adaptation is excellent on so many levels, but the extraordinary adaptation by Kenneth Lonergan and revelatory direction by Hettie Macdonald mirror Forster’s themes and symbolism.

— david wiegand, San Francisco Chronicle, "Stunning new ‘Howards End’ connects with social change," 4 Apr. 2018
The concert will explore these themes and their relationship to each other through a multimedia presentation.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Windham Edition," 3 Apr. 2018
The conversations children have around themes and ideas in books help them make sense of the world.

— david g. allan, CNN, "Reading is fundamental -- to the family's happiness," 3 Apr. 2018
The one element that struck us as out of step with both the elegant theme and the plug-in-hybrid powertrain is the meaty quad tailpipes.

— Car and Driver, "Lincoln Aviator Concept," 29 Mar. 2018
The home's décor embraces the nautical theme and features life preservers, maps, a bell and, at one point, even a shark.

— lainey seyler, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Milwaukee's famous 'boat house' is for sale again," 27 Mar. 2018
The theme of family and wishes for family is clear and strong throughout the story weaving so many of our favorite fairytales into one haunting and comical musical.

— chuck gibson, Cincinnati.com, "Loveland's 'Into the Woods' a family affair," 27 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'theme.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of theme

Middle English teme, theme, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin thema, from Greek, literally, something laid down, from tithenai to place — more at do

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

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theme Synonyms

THEME Defined for English Language Learners

theme

noun

Definition of theme for English Language Learners

: the main subject that is being discussed or described in a piece of writing, a movie, etc.
: a particular subject or issue that is discussed often or repeatedly
: the particular subject or idea on which the style of something (such as a party or room) is based