subject matter

American  

noun

1. the substance of a discussion, book, writing, etc., as distinguished from its form or style.

2. the matter that is subject to some action.

3. the matter out of which a thing is formed.

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subject matter British  

noun

1. the substance or main theme of a book, discussion, debate, etc

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Etymology

Origin of subject matter

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Over and over again, he seduces us with color, engages us with delectable subject matter, and then stuns us with his overwhelming pictorial intelligence and inventiveness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Pakistan has formulated a team of subject matter specialists to facilitate the two sides in negotiations on navigation, nuclear and other key matters, a diplomatic source familiar with the matter told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

But what makes “The Drama” daring isn’t just its subject matter.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

It’s a chance, she says, to amplify the play’s wackiness, which she believes helps puts audiences at ease and makes its difficult subject matter easier to digest.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

Unnerved, Oppenheimer confided that every other registered student had already done the same—the hall was filled with students auditing the course for no credit, struggling to understand the subject matter without risking a grade.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• subject
• text
• topic