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.
Measure gravity by the statute’s subject matter rather than the defendant’s conduct and proportionality review approves everything.
From Slate ● Jul. 28, 2026
By contrast, quotes from subject matter experts, particularly university professors, were generally far more accurate.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 10, 2026
Was there ever something you were nervous about pitching or seeing how you would tackle a subject matter?
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 16, 2026
Curet tells BBC Newsbeat she did feel "a lot of pressure" portraying a young Emma and taking on a serious subject matter, but was "so excited and proud" to be part of the production.
From BBC ● Apr. 23, 2026
He toned the show down some, but the subject matter was the same.
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
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.
