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.
By now, we are all very familiar with the format: Subject-matter experts giving smart, pithy speeches about technology, entertainment and design.
From Reuters • Aug. 15, 2023
Subject-matter beat reporters, in stark contrast to political reporters, develop deep expertise about issues of substance.
From Salon • Apr. 16, 2021
In his third chapter Dewey discusses "Thought and its Subject-matter: The Datum of Thinking."
From John Dewey's logical theory by Howard, Delton Thomas
Subject-matter furnishes the end, and it determines method.
From The Child and the Curriculum by Dewey, John
Thus, a book of poems would belong in subclass "Subject-matter" and a 16mo volume bound with purple celluloid covers would belong in subclass "Size."
From The Classification of Patents by United States Patent Office
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.
