thesis statement
Americannoun
Usage
What is a thesis statement? In academic writing, a thesis statement is generally a sentence or two that summarizes the main point that an essay, research paper, or speech is making. It is typically located at the end of the introductory paragraph(s). Thesis statements are kind of like roadmaps, laying out for the reader/listener where the writer/speaker is headed (argument) and how they are going to get there (evidence). The thesis statement is widely taught in the humanities, especially in English classes in high school and college, to teach students how to make persuasive arguments that cite and analyze evidence and examples researched from literary, historical, or other texts.
Etymology
Origin of thesis statement
First recorded in 1945–50
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.
“There are kids I know from college who couldn’t write a paper, and it’s like, you have a thesis statement now?” said Marcy, 28.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
A soaker is their thesis statement: a triple-beige stack of crisp-edged bread surrendering to brown gravy, studded with little hunks of meat that run a satisfying gradient from fatty to caramelized.
From Salon • Dec. 7, 2025
Is that the thesis statement for the record?
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2025
Telling the internet that Franz Kafka is your boyfriend — that is a thesis statement.
From New York Times • Jun. 1, 2024
“It depends on how you frame it. What's your angle, your thesis statement? What are you trying to say?”
From "Pride" by Ibi Zoboi
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.
