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

• content
• matter
• motif
• motive
• question
• subject
• theme

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

Angela is also opening up about sensitive topics — like being millions of dollars in debt over these houses?? —Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 2 June 2025

There are many ways to celebrate spring, but few contemporary artists have devoted more attention to the topic than David Hockney. —Françoise Mouly, New Yorker, 2 June 2025

And then there’s the controversial topic of Oak Terrace’s reputation, which was raised during Soltero’s review. —Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025

Check our top stories, topics and the latest articles on latimes.com. —Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025

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)