topic

noun

top·​ic ˈtä-pik How to pronounce topic (audio)
Synonyms of topicnext
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 Online, 19 Feb. 2026 Much of Mosseri’s questioning from the plaintiff’s lawyer, Mark Lanier, centered on cosmetic filters on Instagram that changed people’s appearance — a topic that Lanier is sure to revisit with Zuckerberg. Barbara Ortutay, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026 Not everyone will be comfortable delving into the topic of money immediately, but if someone is really avoiding the subject, that’s a red flag, says Combs. Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2026 During Zuckerberg’s time on the stand during the trial on Wednesday, he was grilled by lawyers on a variety of topics, including how Meta safeguards against underage users from accessing its platforms and its goal regarding teenagers’ use of the social media platforms. Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 18 Feb. 2026 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 Feb. 2026.

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)

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