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

But Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans. —John Brummett, Arkansas Online, 13 Jan. 2026

The show is equal parts investigation into the craft of writing and conversation about the topics of an author’s work. —Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026

While the cohosts dissected the topic at length last week, Whoopi Goldberg introduced another talking point on Monday about the deadly exchange, which Haines said indicated a need to be more peaceful while protesting the ICE raids on undocumented people around the United States. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026

Some jokes poked fun at familiar topics like George Clooney’s Nespresso ads or the age of Leonardo DiCaprio’s girlfriends or Kevin Hart’s height, but there were plenty of other gags in there, too. —Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 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
• 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)