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

Lam said Vietnam would regard developing relations with China as its objective need, strategic choice and topic priority. —ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026

From Prince Harry's estrangement to the fallout over the former Prince Andrew, multiple members of the immediate royal family have been the topic of intense scrutiny over the last few years. —Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026

Her work has driven widespread public engagement, elevated the topic to national prominence, and drawn significant media attention. —Anna Mutavati, Time, 15 Apr. 2026

Pollutants are a hot topic for why the facility has received recent backlash. —Frankie McLister, CBS News, 15 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)