topic

noun

top·​ic ˈtä-pik 

1

a

: the subject of a discourse or of a section of a discourse

b

: a heading in an outlined argument or exposition

2

a

: argument, reason

b

: one of the general forms of argument employed in probable reasoning

Synonyms

• theme
• matter
• subject
• question
• motif

Examples of topic in a Sentence

He is comfortable discussing a wide range of topics.

topics such as health and fitness

Recent Examples on the Web

Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans. —Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2025

The shop’s stock is evenly divided between fiction and nonfiction, with a wide range of authors and topics to explore—and with prices ranging anywhere from 50 cents to $5,000, there’s truly something for every bibliophile. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025

This includes directing users to professional help, strengthening safeguards on sensitive topics, and encouraging breaks during long sessions. —Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025

For Russell, the beauty topics spill over into real life, too. —Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin Topica Topics (work by Aristotle), from Greek Topika, from topika, neuter plural of topikos of a place, of a topos, from topos place, topos

First Known Use

circa 1569, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Phrases Containing topic

• sub-topic
• topic of discussion
• topic sentence

Rhymes for topic

• tropic
• adrenocorticotropic
• anisotropic
• gonadotropic
• heterotopic
• kaleidoscopic
• ophthalmoscopic
• stereoscopic
• submicroscopic
• anthropic
• atopic
• ectopic

Kids Definition

topic

noun

top·​ic ˈtäp-ik 

1

: a heading in an outline of a subject or explanation

2

: the subject or a section of a subject (as of a speech or a report)