topic sentence

or topical sentence

noun

1. a sentence that expresses the essential idea of a paragraph or larger section, usually appearing at the beginning.

topic sentence

noun

1. a sentence in a paragraph that expresses the main idea or point of the whole paragraph

topic sentence

1. The main sentence in a paragraph , often the first sentence. It briefly conveys the essential idea of the paragraph.

Word History and Origins

Origin of topic sentence¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

But crafting a note like “A topic sentence should signal what the paragraph is about. Can you try reworking this sentence to reflect the paragraph?” is far more empowering.

From Scientific American

The 82 brief chapters each start with a clear topic sentence: “I have always loved movies.”

From Slate

He said that it showed “about 1/8 of my body with a flexed arm” and that he often uses the term “flex” in class to refer to a topic sentence.

From Washington Post

But by the end of “Always at the Carlyle,” which is more interested in burnishing a reputation than in exploring it, the introduction seems to operate more like the ill-advised topic sentence for this superficial love letter.

From New York Times

You’re expected to be able to write a topic sentence upon arrival.

From New York Times