theme

Pluralthemes

Formsthemes, theming, themed

1. 1
   subject matternouncountable

   The subject or topic of a talk, piece of writing, or work of art.

   The film explores the theme of forgiveness through its main character.

   Several speakers returned to the same theme of fairness at work.

   UsageSay the theme of forgiveness; writers explore, address or return to a theme.

   Similarsubject, topic, idea

2. 2
   nouncountable

   An idea, era or style selected to guide the decorations, costumes or activities of an event or a place.

   The restaurant's jungle theme runs from the vine-covered walls to the servers' safari shirts.

   Guests were asked to dress for the gala's Roaring Twenties theme.

   UsageOften before a noun (theme party, theme night) or as -themed (a jungle-themed room); guests dress for a theme.

   Similarconcept

3. 3
   nouncountable

   A recurring idea or motif that appears in several different forms or instances.

   Isolation is a theme repeated across the novelist's later works.

   Complaints about parking became a familiar theme at every town meeting that spring.

   UsageOften a recurring, central or common theme, one that runs through several works.

   Similarmotif, thread, leitmotif, strand

   Note

   Here the stress falls on repetition: one idea turning up in many guises. The phrase variations on the theme of borrows its shape from the musical melody, and in ordinary prose it suggests that different instances are really versions of one thing.

4. 4
   app skinnouncountable

   Any of the color schemes or visual styles in which a design is offered, including the selectable skins that change an app's appearance.

   Users can switch to a high-contrast theme for easier reading.

   The app shipped with three color themes.

   UsageYou switch to, choose or apply a theme, such as a dark theme.

   Similarcolorway

   Note

   Two settings share this sense. In product design, a theme is one of several color schemes, and colorway means much the same. In an app, it is a selectable skin that may change sounds as well as colors.

5. 5
   signature tunenouncountable

   A song or short tune associated with a film, TV program, character, or the like and played to signal it.

   The detective series opens with a brooding orchestral theme.

   Fans hummed the show's theme as they left the studio.

   UsageOften the theme from a film, or a show's theme song or theme music.

   Similartune, song

   Note

   Screen music's working label: a piece heard often enough that it comes to stand for a show, a film or a single character. On television it usually means the opening music, as in the show's theme or theme song; in film and video games a character can carry a theme of its own. Unlike the melody behind variations, it is valued mainly for recognition rather than development, and a few notes can be enough.

6. 6
   verbtransitive

   As a verb, to plan or design something, such as a party, room or book, so that all of it follows a single chosen subject or idea.

   The organizers themed the gala around 1920s glamour.

   The museum plans to theme its new gallery around the history of flight.

   UsageUsually theme something around an idea; most often seen as themed (a pirate-themed room, the party was themed).

   Similarorganize

7. 7
   nouncountable

   The main melody of a piece of music, especially one used as the basis for variations.

   The pianist introduced the theme before launching into a series of variations.

   The composer develops a single theme throughout the symphony's final movement.

   Similarmelody

   Note

   In music the theme is the material a composition is built from: stated first, then repeated, developed or transformed. The form called theme and variations makes this explicit. It presents a melody plainly and then reworks it in a series of altered versions. Musicians state, introduce or develop a theme, because it is the subject of the piece, not just any tune in it. Source

   Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

   • A musical theme is material on which a composition is based. en.wikipedia.org
   • A theme is established before being varied or transformed. vcaa.vic.edu.au
   • Theme and variations presents a clear melody and reworks its musical characteristics through successive variations. musictech.ithaca.edu

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