DictionaryAI

theme

THEEM/θiːm/

Pluralthemes

Verbthemes, theming, themed

14 meanings of theme

Practice

  1. 1
    subject matternouncountable
    The main subject of a talk, story, or piece of art.

    Like the main idea that ties a whole story together.

    The theme of her speech was kindness.

    Friendship is a common theme in children's books.

    UsageSay the theme of a story, and that a book explores a theme.

    Similarsubject, topic, idea

  2. 2
    nouncountable
    An idea, style or time in history chosen for an event or place, which guides how it looks and what people do.

    The theme of her birthday party was outer space.

    Every room in the hotel has a different theme, like the beach or the jungle.

    UsageSay a theme party, a jungle-themed room, or dress for the theme.

    Similarconcept

  3. 3
    nouncountable
    An idea that shows up again and again in different places.

    Like a tune you keep hearing again in different songs.

    Hope is a theme that runs through all her paintings.

    The same theme shows up in many fairy tales.

    UsageSay a theme runs through books or pictures, or is a common theme.

    Similarmotif, thread, leitmotif, strand

    Note
  4. 4
    app skinnouncountable
    A set of colors or a look that you can choose for a design or app.

    Like choosing a new color and look for your phone screen.

    She picked a dark theme for her phone.

    The website has a bright summer theme.

    UsageYou pick or switch to a theme, like a dark theme.

    Similarcolorway

    Note
  5. 5
    signature tunenouncountable
    A song or short tune that plays to identify a show, film, or character.

    Like the special tune that tells you your favorite show is starting.

    Everyone recognized the theme from the old cartoon.

    The movie's theme played as the credits rolled.

    UsageSay the theme from a movie, or a show's theme song.

    Similartune, song

    Note
  6. 6
    verbtransitive
    To give something a main idea or subject that ties it together.

    They themed the party around the ocean.

    Let's theme the classroom around outer space this month.

    UsageSay theme a party around something, or a pirate-themed room.

    Similarorganize

  7. 7
    nouncountable
    The main tune in a piece of music that other parts are built from.

    Like a favorite melody the music keeps coming back to.

    The composer repeated the theme with small changes each time.

    You can hear the main theme return at the very end.

    Similarmelody

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of theme apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It came through Old French and Latin from Ancient Greek 'théma', from a verb meaning 'I put, place'.

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 3 facts