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 of topic

• 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

At a moment when educators are rethinking how to prepare students for an increasingly complex world, the mathematics of democracy offers a rare opportunity to teach intellectually rigorous, consequential topics that can build awareness and capacity. — Ismar Volić, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026

Most of Polson's papers focus on advanced statistics and mathematics, though some touch on topics of broader interest. — Todd Wallack The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026

Weighing in on the Palestinian issue can be a sensitive subject in Hollywood, as some people in the entertainment industry have received backlash on their social media posts on the topic. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026

During this cycle, only 30 did, putting the subject 52nd among campaign topics. — Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2026

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
• allotropic
• arthroscopic
• barotropic
• cystoscopic
• endoscopic
• gyroscopic
• hygroscopic
• isentropic
• isotopic
• isotropic

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)