topic

noun

top·​ic ˈtä-pik How to pronounce topic (audio)
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.
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 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

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Cite this Entry

“Topic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topic. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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)

More from Merriam-Webster on topic

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