Here’s a quick and simple definition: A theme is a universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature.

The meaning of THEME is a subject or topic of discourse or of artistic representation. How to use theme in a sentence.

Theme and variation is a musical form in which a theme is played and then repeated several times with small changes in interesting ways.

THEME meaning: 1 : the main subject that is being discussed or described in a piece of writing, a movie, etc.; 2 : a particular subject or issue that is discussed often or repeatedly

Sep 23, 2025 · theme (plural themes) A subject, now especially of a talk or an artistic piece; a topic. quotations

1. a subject of discourse, discussion, meditation, or composition; topic. 2. a unifying or dominant idea, motif, etc., as in a work of art.

a subject of a talk, a thought, or a piece of writing; topic: He returned to the theme of American values. a unifying idea, or the most obvious point, as in a work of art, etc.

There are 15 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun theme, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

A theme in a piece of writing, a talk, or a discussion is an important idea or subject that runs through it.

Definition of theme noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.