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

This is especially important when tackling sensitive topics, such as mental health or chronic illness. —Kamya Elawadhi, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

Classes focus on a variety of topics like the Hmong language, culture and history, calculus, psychology and more. —Mia Thurow, jsonline.com, 8 July 2025

Here’s a look at his views on several hot topics. ICE arrests and protests While the spotlight has been on cities such as Los Angeles and New York, ICE’s presence in Kentucky has not gone without controversy. —Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, 8 July 2025

Beck Andrew Salgado covers trending topics in the Austin business ecosystem for the American-Statesman. —Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 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)