subject matter

noun

: matter presented for consideration in discussion, thought, or study

Examples of subject matter in a Sentence

I found the film's subject matter to be quite disturbing. She disapproves of the artist's choice of subject matter.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Museum of the Night by Fermín Eloy Acosta Reasoning: For the intensive research into a largely unknown archive and the attempt to create a visual language that corresponds to the subject matter. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2025 This scaffolding approach leverages AI’s organizational capabilities while preserving her own critical thinking skills and subject matter expertise. Lars Daniel, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 In that vein, conversations on trans identity are likely to be many viewers’ reference point for the movie’s subject matter, but Hughes-Hallet’s approach is remarkably detailed and informative, going beyond that lens. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 13 Mar. 2025 Spanning genres and subject matters, the album plays back to front as a raunchy, raucous ride through Firstman’s unique comedy lens. Stephen Daw, Billboard, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subject matter

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subject matter was in 1657

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subject matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subject%20matter. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

subject matter

noun
: matter presented for consideration in discussion, thought, or study
the poem's subject matter

More from Merriam-Webster on subject matter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!