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.
The art of conservation isn’t about changing the subject matter or making a classical painting look new.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026
Measure gravity by the statute’s subject matter rather than the defendant’s conduct and proportionality review approves everything.
From Slate ● Jul. 28, 2026
"The subject matter we write about is queer in its essence, and so are our life experiences," says McPherson.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
By contrast, quotes from subject matter experts, particularly university professors, were generally far more accurate.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 10, 2026
Mark still couldn’t tell if he was laughing at the subject matter or just at the sounds coming out of the Toad.
From "The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book Four; Origin)" by James Dashner
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.
