topic

noun

top·​ic ˈtä-pik How to pronounce topic (audio)
1
a
: the subject of a discourse or of a section of a discourse
b
: a heading in an outlined argument or exposition
2
b
: one of the general forms of argument employed in probable reasoning

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for topic

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of topic was circa 1569

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Topic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topic. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

topic

noun
top·​ic ˈtäp-ik How to pronounce topic (audio)
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)

More from Merriam-Webster on topic

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