themes

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of theme.

   The novel weaves together several themes of memory and regret.

   Recurring themes in her music include exile and homecoming.

   Note

   One spelling, two jobs: themes is also the verb's present-tense form, so "the festival themes its stages" and "the festival's themes" mean quite different things. As a noun it pluralizes every sense of theme: the subjects of a novel, the melodies a composer varies, the color palettes or app skins on offer, and, in dated classroom use, a stack of school essays.

2. 2
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present of theme.

   The festival themes every stage around a distinct musical era.

   He themes his lectures so that each one builds on a single guiding idea.

   Note

   A transitive verb in both of its uses, so an object always follows: someone themes a party, a stage or a lecture series. In software it has narrowed to a specific meaning. To theme an app or a desktop is to change its visual appearance or layout, much as one might reskin it.

   She themes the dashboard in dark colors so it is easier on the eyes at night.

   The studio themes each app to match the client's brand.

Showing meanings only. Show all 2