subject matter
Americannoun
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the substance of a discussion, book, writing, etc., as distinguished from its form or style.
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the matter that is subject to some action.
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the matter out of which a thing is formed.
noun
Etymology
Origin of subject matter
First recorded in 1590–1600
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Also, one that — surprisingly for me, just given the subject matter — I really enjoyed this season, is “The Testaments.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026
To illuminate his dark subject matter, Fiedler adopts a punchy, aggressive prose replete with antitheses, exclamation marks, capitalized terminology and bold generalizations.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
Gouyon said Attenborough always made sure to direct the viewer's gaze back to the subject matter.
From Barron's • May 6, 2026
It’s the combination of storytelling chops, genuine enthusiasm, and subject matter expertise that makes this film exponentially better than your average band documentary.
From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026
In so far as scientific research still continues, this is its subject matter.
From "1984" by George Orwell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
