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

The topic of transgender athletes has been at the center of WNBA discourse since Indiana Fever forward Sophie Cunningham weighed in on the conversation in an ESPN article last month, instigating a domino effect of reactions in and around the league. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

Despite the topic attracting a good deal of political commentary, there are relatively few transgender athletes in college sports. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Conversations about tough topics don’t have to be concise, comfortable, or perfectly balanced to be healthy. — Angela Haupt, Time, 12 Aug. 2026

While the use of AI in the filmmaking process remains a delicate topic in Hollywood, Wall Street has a more straightforwardly Darwinian view. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Aug. 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)