topic sentence

noun

: a sentence that states the main thought of a paragraph or of a larger unit of discourse and is usually placed at or near the beginning

Examples of topic sentence in a Sentence

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.
In my class, each body paragraph of their paper should start with a topic sentence that presents the argument for that paragraph, followed by the evidence to support it. Nicole Donawho, JSTOR Daily, 6 May 2024 Credit is possible without introductions, conclusions, topic sentences, or meaningful transitions between thoughts. Aaron R. Hanlon, The New Republic, 6 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of topic sentence was in 1885

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Cite this Entry

“Topic sentence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topic%20sentence. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

topic sentence

noun
: a sentence that states the main thought of a paragraph
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