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 For the first time, the L.A. Times will livestream recipe demonstrations and conversations on the cooking stage and panel discussions on a range of topics, as well as scenes from around the festival. Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2024 The wide range of panel topics will include community programming, marketing, performing rights organizations, sponsorships, comedy booking, ticketing, breaking emerging talent, safety, and food and beverage. Taylor Mims, Billboard, 18 Apr. 2024 While LinkedIn says the topic questions are crafted with the assistance of its editorial team, many of the questions feature phrasing that betray a robotic origin. Bysharon Goldman, Fortune, 18 Apr. 2024 This limited series offers a fresh take on identity and connection in the digital age, blending humor with serious contemporary topics. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 18 Apr. 2024 Our feelings about soup haven’t changed, and whether soup is a meal continues to be a topic of debate with our friends. — Catherine, 31, and John, 31, together for 4.5 years 15. Tara Booth, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2024 Among the topics discussed: The Lakers held on to beat Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans, setting up a third playoff series in five seasons. Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 17 Apr. 2024 Budgeting Budgeting is one of the most foundational financial topics of personal finance. Ryan Steitz, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2024 And while the topic of conversation over dinner for most of their adult lives has been football, Hollywood is calling, and the doors are opening. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'topic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near topic

Cite this Entry

“Topic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topic. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

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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