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
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.”
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 on the Web
In what has become a recurring theme, Israel’s first occupation of Gaza was also enabled by Western powers.
—Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
Fundamentals sound good in coach speak, but Bibby has stressed that theme since taking this gig, his first on a college bench.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2025
The 12 main galleries trace Egypt's history from prehistory through the Greco-Roman era, exploring themes of society, kingship and belief.
—Ayat Al-Tawy, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025
Momager Kris Jenner also made it into Khloé’s Instagram post, choosing to break the Care Bears theme to dress as a circus ringleader.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theme
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Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
Fundamentals sound good in coach speak, but Bibby has stressed that theme since taking this gig, his first on a college bench.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2025
The 12 main galleries trace Egypt's history from prehistory through the Greco-Roman era, exploring themes of society, kingship and belief.
—Ayat Al-Tawy, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025
Momager Kris Jenner also made it into Khloé’s Instagram post, choosing to break the Care Bears theme to dress as a circus ringleader.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for theme
Cite this Entry
“Theme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theme. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
theme
noun1
a
: a subject for a work of literature, art, or music
guilt and punishment is the theme of the story
b
: a specific and distinctive quality, characteristic, or concern
the house was decorated in a country theme
2
: a written exercise : composition
thematic
adjective
thi-ˈmat-ik
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