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

So don't go off topic, don't impersonate anyone, and don't get your facts wrong. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026

The trade involving the Eagles that’s been a hot topic throughout the offseason isn’t expected to happen this week. —ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026

Regulation has emerged as a hot topic pitting the federal government against states. —Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026

Contributor Megan Wollerton is an award-winning feature writer covering climate change, endangered species, and other science topics. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Apr. 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)