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
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
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
In experiments, children who are asked to read a passage and are then tested on it will invariably score higher than children asked to watch a video of the same subject matter.
From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell
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.
