subject matter
Americannoun
-
the substance of a discussion, book, writing, etc., as distinguished from its form or style.
-
the matter that is subject to some action.
-
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.
"Troy and Liam in particular are performers where they get really invested in their characters and subject matter," Daly said.
From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2026
Former GE manager sees new “dawn of subject matter expertise.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
Being such a heavy role enveloped in a dark subject matter, Brammall initially didn’t believe he was the right actor for the project.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
It goes deeper and darker, and the subject matter isn’t just broken hearts this time around.
From Salon ● Aug. 25, 2026
They serve as a kind of packing material in which academics, bureaucrats, and corporate mouthpieces clad their subject matter.
From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker
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.
