theme

noun \ ˈthēm \

|Updated on: 14 Aug 2018

Examples: theme in a Sentence

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

—

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

Influenced by social forces like the labor movement, feminism, and the struggle for civil rights, 20th-century historians gradually broadened their vision beyond the old themes of politics and war to include a fuller range of humanity.

— amy crawford, BostonGlobe.com, "Why is history always about humans?," 13 July 2018
The series, which is allegedly a horror psycho-thriller, takes place in the titular Castle Rock, Maine, continuing this summer’s theme of Fraught Settings As Veritable TV Characters.

— refinery29.com, "Handmaid’s Tale," 13 July 2018
The failure of Jimmy Carter’s one term in office (the product of a combination of his own shortcomings, congressional diffidence, and energy shocks engineered by OPEC) became a central theme of Republican messaging for decades.

— jonathan chait, Daily Intelligencer, "Poll: Barack Obama Was the Greatest President of Our Lifetime," 11 July 2018
Nature Tots First Tuesday: Nature theme based learning and play through storytelling, art and crafts, and active play on the playground and splash pad.

— mary lou cruz, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Davie area events July 18-28," 14 July 2018
Just other element that played into that only-in-Hollywood theme.

— tom hoffarth, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Only in Hollywood': How MLB Network Captures the Drama (and Humor) of the '88 Dodgers," 13 July 2018
In February of 2018, The National PTA chose a theme for the 2019-20 contest from entries received from each state.

— elaine rooker jack, The Courier-Journal, "24 local students receive awards in PTA contests unique to Kentucky," 13 July 2018
Off The Grid Fridays at Fort Mason More than 30 food trucks, live entertainment, DJ dancing and more with changing weekly themes. 5-10 p.m. Fri., July 20.

— SFChronicle.com, "Events listings," 12 July 2018
If the fidget spinner theme didn’t tip you off, the fair is geared toward families and samples the best of what this big state represents.

— julia sclafani and jordan cutler-tietjen, sacbee, "All the new State Fair offerings: wine tastings, silent discos, coasters and acai bowls," 12 July 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

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

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