noun essay topics

Still have questions? Leave a comment

Add Comment

Checklist: Dissertation Proposal

Enter your email id to get the downloadable right in your inbox!

Examples: Edited Papers

Need editing and proofreading services, noun: definition, meaning, types, and examples.

Tags: English as a Second Language / ESL , Grammar , Language

Whether we are speaking, reading, listening, or writing, nouns are an inseparable part of our daily life. Knowing what’s a noun is very important to communicate effectively. In this article, we will decode the definition of nouns.

We will also understand various types of nouns with the help of simple examples. Whether you’re a language enthusiast or someone looking to deepen their grammar knowledge, this article will make understanding nouns easier for everyone. Let’s start with an easy noun definition.

Transform your nouns and perfect your writing! Learn more

What is a Noun?

A noun is defined as a word that names or identifies a person, place, thing, idea, or animal.

Nouns are the words in a sentence that represent a certain person (John), place (London), thing (pen), idea (discipline), or animal (dog). Nouns can be concrete (pen) or abstract (discipline).

The easiest way to spot a noun is by identifying a name, place, thing, idea, or animal in a sentence.

Being aware of the noun definition, noun meaning, and what are nouns is integral for understanding grammar and sentence structure in any language.

A list of nouns commonly used is:

Animal: Cat

Place : Park

Thing : Bicycle

Person : Girl

To understand the meaning of nouns in detail, let’s take a look at some more examples of nouns.

Noun examples

1. nouns naming a person:.

The Prime Minister

Indira Gandhi

2. Nouns naming a place

3. Nouns naming a thing

The magical book

4. Nouns naming an idea

5. Nouns naming an animal

These noun examples give us a quick insight into the process of identifying and choosing nouns in a sentence. Nouns are one of the eight parts of speech that play a vital role in forming sentences.

What are parts of speech?

Parts of speech are specific roles and functions of a word in the English language. Noun, verb , adjective , adverb , pronoun , preposition , conjunction , and interjection are the eight parts of speech.

Types of nouns

Proper noun.

Proper nouns are nouns that specifically name a person, place, or thing. Proper nouns start with capital letters, making it easy to distinguish them from other types of nouns.

Some proper noun examples are:

The time we visited Delhi was one of the most fun times of my life. (Name of a particular place.)

I watched a film about Freddie Mercury . (Name of a particular person.)

I love shopping at Shopper’s Stop . (Name of a particular brand.)

Collective noun

A noun used to refer to a group of individuals, animals, or things as a single unit is called a collective noun. It shows a grouping of similar things. Collective nouns are a type of singular noun but they represent a plurality of items.

Some collective noun examples are:

A deck of cards.

A class of students.

A hive of bees.

Common noun

A noun that refers to a general category of people, places, or things is called a common noun. Common nouns do not represent a particular category or specific instance.

Some common noun examples are:

I am going to the hospital . (place)

I like using a pencil to sketch. (thing)

I bought a new car . (item)

Abstract noun

A word that represents an idea, a state, or an intangible concept is called an abstract noun. Abstract nouns are things that cannot be seen or touched physically but are present as feelings or emotions. Abstract nouns refer to things that are intangible and exist as feelings, thoughts, and ideas.

Some abstract noun examples are:

Honesty is the best policy.

Loyalty is a dog’s best trait.

Freedom must not be considered as a liberty .

Concrete noun

A concrete noun is a type of noun that refers to tangible objects that can be felt or perceived physically using their senses. Unlike abstract nouns, concrete nouns can be seen, touched, heard, and experienced physically.

Some concrete noun examples are:

The tree was 100 years old.

The family traveled by bus .

I want to read a book .

Plural noun

A plural noun is used to indicate more than one of a place, thing, person, animal, or idea. Plural nouns are represented by words that are made plural by adding ‘s’, ‘es’, or ‘ ies’ to the ending. Confusing plural nouns with collective nouns is one of the common grammatical mistakes people make. Plural nouns refer to multiple individuals or objects while collective nouns refer to a group or collection of individuals or objects.

Some plural noun examples are:

We bought a few oranges from the market yesterday.

There were a lot of dishes to be cleaned.

All the candies were sweet.

Possessive noun

A possessive noun is a word used to indicate ownership or possession of something. It shows possession or that something belongs to someone. It is often formed by adding a ‘s at the end of the words which show that the noun owns or possesses something.

Some possessive noun examples are:

The king’s reign was over. (reign of the king)

Students’ assignments were submitted. (assignments belonging to the students)

All the car’s windows have to be shut. (windows belonging to the car)

Compound noun

A noun that is formed by combining two or more words to create a new, single noun is called a compound noun. The combination of these two or more words results in the formation of a new word having a distinct meaning. The three types of compound nouns that are commonly used are hyphenated compound nouns, closed compound nouns, and open compound nouns.

Some compound noun examples are:

Bus stop (bus + stop) (open compound noun)

Classroom (class + room) (closed compound noun)

Mother-in-law (hyphenated compound noun)

Countable nouns

Countable nouns are people, objects, places, things, and ideas that can be counted using numbers. These nouns have plural forms.

Some examples of countable nouns are:

He purchased two dozen apples for his family. (apple + s)

She borrowed two purses from a friend. (purse + s )

There are many temples in India. (temple + s)

Uncountable nouns

Uncountable nouns are those objects and ideas that cannot be counted using numbers. This means that the individual units of these nouns cannot be counted. These nouns do not have plural forms. Words such as some , any , much , and enough can be used to describe the quantity of these nouns.

Some examples of uncountable nouns are:

Trees grew in abundance . (Individual units of “abundance” cannot be counted.)

She has vast knowledge in her field. (Individual units of “knowledge” cannot be

She appreciated her tolerance . (Individual units of “tolerance” cannot be counted.)

Appositive nouns

Nouns that are used to add specificity or additional context to a noun in the sentence are known as appositive nouns. Appositive nouns give extra information about the subject and make sentences more engaging. They are typically set off by commas, dashes, or parentheses.

Some examples of appositive nouns are:

The country, India , is known for its culture. (“India” serves as an appositive noun that renames “the country.”)

My dog, Leo , loves to play fetch. (“Leo” serves as an appositive noun that renames “my dog.”)

My sister, Riya , is a dancer. (“Riya” serves as an appositive noun that renames “my sister.”)

Using nouns as different parts of a sentence

Noun as a subject.

The subject of a sentence is the noun or noun phrase that performs the main action of the sentence or is the main focus of the sentence. A subject can be easily identified by asking the question “who?”. A noun mostly appears at the beginning of a sentence when used as a subject.

The baby was crying. (Who was crying? – the baby)

Cyrus was a naughty child. (Who was a naughty child? – Cyrus)

Mother went to the store. (Who went to the store? – mother)

Noun as a subject complement

A noun or noun phrase serves as a subject complement when it follows a linking verb and provides additional information about the subject in the sentence. The subject is typically described or renamed by a subject complement.

Examples:

The painting was a masterpiece . (“A masterpiece” describes the subject “the painting.”)

He is a scientist . (“A scientist” renames and describes the subject “he.”)

The owner of this house is Alan . ( “Alan” identifies the subject “the owner.”)

Nouns as subject complement help provide more information about the subject, clarifying its identity, characteristics, or state. They are an important element in sentences that use linking verbs to connect to the subject.

Noun as an object

When a noun is placed in a position where it receives the action of the verb, it is used as an object. An object placed immediately after a verb is known as a direct object. An object can be easily identified by asking questions like “what?” or “whom?”.

Izzy loved her skirt . (What did Izzy love? – her skirt)

The baby wanted milk . (What did the baby want? – milk)

Father drove the car . (What did father drive? – the car)

Noun as an object complement

A noun or noun phrase functions as an object complement when it follows a direct object and provides further description or identification of that object. The object is typically described or renamed by an object complement.

He painted the wall red . (“red” is the object complement, describing the object “wall.”)

We named our baby Judy . (“Judy” provides additional information about the object “baby”)

She considered the book a good read . (“A good read” describes the object “book.”)

Noun as a modifier

Nouns that act as an adjective and provide additional information or context about another noun are referred to as modifiers. They are also called attributive nouns.

The mechanic understood that the car engine was faulty. (“car” acts as a modifier for “engine” and indicates that this type of engine is used in a car)

She took her Labrador Retriever to the dog park. (“dog” acts as a modifier for “park” and indicates that this type of park is for dogs)

He threw his coffee cup in the dustbin. (“coffee” acts as a modifier for “cup” and indicates that this type of cup is for coffee)

We hope that the given examples will help you use nouns effectively while communicating. As language experts who provide proofreading services , we’d love to help you perfect your words.

Bookmark PaperTrue’s Resource Centre for useful grammar tips!

Tips to Write Better if English Is Your Second Language
Homophones, Homonyms, and Homographs: What’s the Difference?
Its vs. It’s: When to Use Its and It’s in a Sentence
14 Punctuation Marks: Examples & Free Guide on How to Use
Affect vs. Effect: Meaning, Difference, & Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of a noun, what is the difference between a noun and a pronoun, how to identify a noun in a sentence, what are the functions of a noun, what are some examples of nouns.

Found this article helpful?

One comment on “ Noun: Definition, Meaning, Types, and Examples ”

Found your website helpful for improvising my English language & it is easy to understand as well

Your vs. You’re: When to Use Your and You’re

Your organization needs a technical editor: here’s why, your guide to the best ebook readers in 2024, writing for the web: 7 expert tips for web content writing.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get carefully curated resources about writing, editing, and publishing in the comfort of your inbox.

How to Copyright Your Book?

If you’ve thought about copyrighting your book, you’re on the right path.

Terms of service
Privacy policy
Self Publishing Guide
Pre-Publishing Steps
Fiction Writing Tips
Traditional Publishing
Additional Resources
Dissertation Writing Guide
Essay Writing Guide
Academic Writing and Publishing
Citation and Referencing
Partner with us
Annual report
Website content
Marketing material
Job Applicant
Cover letter
Resource Center
Case studies

Home — Essay Samples — Science — English Language — Nouns in the English Language

Nouns in The English Language

Categories: English Language

About this sample

Words: 2272 |

12 min read

Published: Apr 11, 2019

Words: 2272 | Pages: 5 | 12 min read

Proper and common nouns
Personal names (both first names like Diana and Chris, as well as surnames like Popescu);
Nationalities (the Japanese, the British)
Languages (English, Romanian, Spanish);
Titles (Mr. John, Miss Deborah, Mrs. Kerry, Dr. Smith, Queen Elisabeth, Lord Byron, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Sergent Jackson, Professor Bright);
Animals (Spot, Missy);
Calendar items (January, Monday, Christmas);
Geographical names like:
continents (Europe, Africa)
countries (the United States of America, Greece)
rivers, lakes, oceans, seas (the Black Sea, the Danube, Lake Michigan)
mountains (the Alps) and so on.
Celestial bodies (the Moon, Venus)
Cardinal points, when they are not used geographically (North, West);
Institutions (the European Union, the National Theatre, the British Museum);
Newspapers, titles of books, magazines (the Guardian, Vogue, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes)
Countable and uncountable nouns
it has a plural form (girl – girls, table - tables);
it can be preceded by the indefinite article a/an (a cat, an argument);
it can be preceded by How many or (a) few (How many pencils have you got?; My cousin has a few books);
it can be preceded by numbers (one pencil box with three rulers).
it has not a plural form (sugar, silver, blood);
it cannot be preceded by the indefinite article a/an (Such fine weather!);
it can be preceded by How much or (a) little (How much honey do you want?; My parents have little furniture);
it cannot be preceded by numbers.
liquids (water, oil, milk);
gas (air, oxygen, steam);
food (spaghetti, butter, soup, bread, cheese, cookery, food, meat, toast );
abstract ideas (chaos, advice, education, fun, gossip, hospitality, information, knowledge, luck, news, nonsense, patience, progress, strength, stuff );
subjects / fields (mathematics, art, politics, poetry, vocabulary);
mass nouns (hair, transportation, furniture, grass, money);
grain and powder (sugar, rice, sand);
natural phenomena (rain, snow, darkness, lightning, sunshine, thunder);
sports (football, chess, poker);
activities (reading, swimming, working, dancing, laughter, leisure, shopping, smoking, spelling, work);
feelings (sadness, anger, courage, happiness, jealousy);
states of being (adulthood, power, sleep, stress, safety, stupidity, violence, wealth).
Concrete and abstract nouns; collective nouns

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

Expert in: Science

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 908 words

2 pages / 683 words

5 pages / 2213 words

2 pages / 909 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on English Language

What i learned in english class? I’ve learned many things through the course of this class: how to write a good essay, how to get batter at some essays I’ve already written in the past. I’ve learned how to locate my resources to [...]

Prepositions are a fundamental component of the English language, serving as connectors that establish relationships between different elements within a sentence. Despite their often diminutive size, prepositions play a critical [...]

Khaled Hosseini's novel, The Kite Runner, is a powerful and emotionally charged story that explores the complexities of friendship, betrayal, redemption, and the impact of the past on the present. Through the use of various [...]

Throughout my college journey, I have had the pleasure of taking various classes that have enriched my academic experience. However, one class, in particular, stands out from the rest - my English class. This course has not only [...]

Everyone who speaks the English language, does not speak it the same way. It is rare to find people that speak English the exact same way word for word, because there are so many ways to speak English. Amy Tan uses a name to [...]

In English language there are eight parts of speech and they are: Noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction, and interjection. The parts of speech show the function of a word in context of its meaning and [...]

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

Instructions Followed To The Letter
Deadlines Met At Every Stage
Unique And Plagiarism Free

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

Writing and Grammar Skills Appendix

Using Noun Phrases and Clauses for Better Topic Sentences

Let’s take a look at two sentences:

1. The first way that Edison changed the world was by inventing electricity.

2. First, Edison changed the world by inventing electricity.

Which of these two sentences do you think is better? Why?

In your essays, you can use either way, but it’s important in writing to use variety. That means you should have different kinds of sentences to make your writing better and more interesting. If you just use “First,” “second,” “last” to separate your ideas, it sounds boring. However, the same happens if all of your body paragraph sentences start like this: “The first way is. . . ”, “the second way is. . . ”

So let’s practice other ways to write topic sentences! Is there a way we can change the sentence parts in 1. to make a similar but different sentence?

Below are several ways to make different kinds of topic sentences, depending on the kind of essay you are writing. You may want to practice by making some example sentences for your essay topic.

Note: Clauses have a subject and a verb, although they may not make a complete idea.

Example: where he was going

Phrases are a group of words, but they do not have a verb. They usually consist of nouns, gerunds, infinitives, adjectives, and prepositions.

Example: the reason behind all the commotion

Before you write an essay, practice making good topic sentences using the charts below.

For classifying information:

For processes:

For compare/contrast:

To explain causes:


		deforestation



		another

To explain effects:

To give reasons:

Other Noun Clauses

It + “be” + adj. + (that) noun clause.

This formula is a very common sentence construct in English. The following adjectives are often used with the formula:

amazing	clear	good	important	interesting
likely	lucky	nice	obvious	a pity
possible	a shame	strange	surprising	too bad
true	undeniable	unfortunate	(well) known	wonderful

Also, “for + (someone)” and an infinitive can also be added to the formula. Take a look at how the following sentences are constructed using different parts of the formula:

It is impossible that John got away with murder.
It’s too bad for Amy that Bill broke up with her.
It is nice to know that I have good friends to help me.
It is important for students to realize how Greek influence permeates American culture.

Sentence Practice

Practice a variety of the “it is adj” formula in the following sentences.

It is lucky__________________________________________________________________ .
It’s a shame _______________________________________________________________ .
3. It is highly possible ______________________________________________________ .
4. It’s very possible ________________________________________________________ .
5. It is strange _____________________________________________________________ .

Noun clauses from question-answer responses

Another common type of noun clause are ones made from questions. They usually describe discussions of questions or report the answers to questions.

Student A: Where does Xu live?
Student B: I don’t know.
Reported sentence: I don’t know where Xu lives.

The question and the answer can be combined to report someone’s answer about something using noun clauses. The most important thing to remember here is that when you make the question into a noun clause, it does NOT keep the question grammar.

These kinds of noun clauses can be the subject or object of the sentence.

Example: We do not know exactly how many people were affected by the power outage.

Example: Exactly how many people were affected by the power outage remains unknown.

This can be done for all kinds of questions, including yes / no questions. But for yes / no questions, the noun clauses look a little different. For yes / no questions, we can use either “if” or “whether” in the noun clause.

Xu: Are we going to have a test tomorrow?
Bill: I’m not sure.
Bill isn’t sure if we are going to have a test tomorrow.
Whether we have a test tomorrow (or not) depends on Mrs. D’s mood.

For questions that involve “can”, “could”, or “should”, a noun clause can be used or an infinitive.

Xu: I have a big problem. What should I do? Please tell me! Please tell me what I should do about my problem.
Please tell me what to do about my problem.
I don’t know where you could find tacos in this city.
I don’t know where to find tacos in this city.

Noun clause practice

Put together the following conversations into one sentence using a noun clause.

Example: A: Who are you taking to the dance? B: I don’t know yet.

Answer: I don’t know yet who I am taking to the dance.

A: Where did John go? B: I have no idea. __________________________________________________________________________
A: William lost his job. B: That’s a shame. __________________________________________________________________________
A: Who is that girl over there? B: It’s obvious! __________________________________________________________________________
A: Yuxin got roses from her boyfriend! B: That’s so nice! __________________________________________________________________________
A: How can I get to the bus station? B: *gives directions* __________________________________________________________________________
A: It’s snowing. Should I go home or stay here at work until it stops? B: That’s up to you to decide. _________________________________________________________________________
A: Would your sister like to come to my party? B: I’ll find out tonight. __________________________________________________________________________
A: Does the copy machine need more paper? B: I’ll let you know. __________________________________________________________________________
A: Anna loves her new job. B: That’s clear. __________________________________________________________________________
A: How do you use a microwave? B: I don’t know… __________________________________________________________________________

Share This Book

Nouns: What’s in a Name?

Published July 20, 2020. Updated March 17, 2023.

With a name that means, literally, ‘to name’, it’s pretty impossible to imagine the English language—or any language—without the noun. But while we use them constantly to provide clarity and identify the things that we’re talking or writing about, this hugely essential word type still has some surprises up its sleeve. This guide should give you a deeper understanding of this seemingly simple element of language, and allow you to use them correctly in your work. You can also check out this useful reference to consolidate your learning. If you’re currently working on a paper and would find a quick and easy grammar check useful, upload your essay for free at Chegg Writing. You can also use our fantastic citation tool to help cite your sources using popular styles such as MLA and APA format .

Guide Overview

What is a noun?
Controversy and crossover
Where the magic happens
Phrase or clause?
Types of nouns list
Can you count it?
Good and proper
Getting possessive
A blessing of unicorns
Friendly compounds
The pronoun takeover
Grammar help is here!

What is a Noun?

At first glance, the noun definition is fairly straightforward—they’re naming words used to refer to a person, place, thing or idea. They’re arguably the most important element of any sentence, as they’ll usually be its subject. They can also be the direct object of a sentence. Or the indirect object. Or the object of the preposition . And they can do much more besides that. So you get the idea that we’d find it very difficult to communicate without these superstars of the grammar world!

Controversy and Crossover

As they’re so important, the question ‘what is a noun?’ has been debated and discussed at length by linguists and grammar experts, often sparking some disagreement about the definition. Some feel that to define them as “naming words” is far too simplistic, as they’re also used to reference abstract and intangible concepts, feelings and activities such as birth, sport, joy, cookery and technology . There’s also huge crossover with other elements of language. For example: Rain

Verb — to rain
Name of weather type — rain
Adjective — red
Name of color — red
As an adverb — angrily
As an adjective — angry
Name of a feeling — anger

Because this single word type encompasses so many different things, some linguists feel that the definition should be narrowed. However, for now, we’re happy to stick with the generalization that it’s a naming word. For more on the various definitions of different parts of the English language, check out this useful link .

Where the Magic Happens

Although it can lead to confusion, the fact the noun is multi-functional is part of its charm. Let’s take a look at some of the jobs that these hard-working words can perform in a sentence. Subject: the subject of the sentence, i.e., someone or something performing the action of the verb .

Example: Harry is angry.

Direct object: the direct object of the sentence, i.e., someone or something who receives the action of the verb.

Example: Ashley baked Noah a cake.

Object of the preposition: the object of the prepositional phrase.

Example: Ashley baked a cake on Sunday .

Subject complement: follows a linking verb.

Example: Ashley is a teacher .

Object complement: follows a direct object to rename or modify it.

Example: She named her dog Benji .

Appositive: immediately follows another to add more information.

Example: Her dog, Benji , is black.

Modifier: acts as an adjective to modify another noun.

Example: A black dog.

Phrase or Clause?

In addition to your run of the mill single naming words, you can also use a noun clause or phrase to name or identify a person, object, thing, place or idea. A phrase has a naming word as its head word but may also include other kinds of words. For example:

Head word — car/cars
Determiner — My car
Determiner and adjective — My red car
Quantifier — Some cars
Quantifier and adjective — Some red cars
In a sentence — My red car is very old. ( My red car is the phrase that identifies which car we are talking about.)

Caution! Don’t confuse a phrase with a compound, i.e., two or more words together to create a stand-alone common or proper noun with a meaning of its own (more on compounds later!). A clause is a dependent clause (doesn’t make sense alone) that performs the naming function in a sentence. It usually contains a subject and a verb, but may not necessarily contain a naming word. For example:

This weekend we can do whatever you want .

Types of Nouns List

There are multiple types of naming words to get a grip on, and plenty of crossovers between categories too—just to keep things interesting! For example:

You can have a mass, abstract, common name.
Or a singular, concrete, proper, compound, or possessive name (phew!).

Don’t worry! This should become clearer as we work through the different categories in turn. If you’d like to do some more in-depth reading on the subject, you can find more info online.

Singular or Plural

You can have singular or plural nouns, with regulars keeping things nice and simple with the addition of s or es .

Car — cars
Book – books
Zoo — zoos
Box — boxes
Dish — dishes
Hero — heroes

However, there are lots of rule-breaking irregulars thrown into the mix to complicate matters.

Man — men
Person — people
Sheep — sheep
Elf — elves
Fish — fish
City — cities

Concrete vs Abstract

As noted earlier, these debate-sparking naming words can be difficult things to define. So it can help to think of them as either concrete or abstract. Concrete nouns are the simpler of the two. They’re tangible things that can be detected by the senses. For example:

You can touch, see and smell a flower .
You can hold a pencil .
You can see your friend Emily .

Abstract nouns are far trickier to pin down—both literally and metaphorically speaking!

You can’t hold anger or space or childhood .

However, some people might argue that you can identify some abstracts with your senses. For example:

You can see an expression of anger .
You can sense fresh air .

So it might be more helpful to think of them as something that you can’t physically hold, i.e., concepts, ideas, experiences, qualities and feelings.

Can You Count It?

Naming words can either be count or noncount . Count type doesn’t tend to give you much trouble—they’re, as the name suggests, something that can be counted. Noncount type (also known as mass nouns), however, are a whole different ball game! These rebellious words are definitely the evil twin of the two, as they defy several of the usual rules of grammar and, if you’re not careful, can cause chaos and confusion. Count: something that can be counted, e.g., books, people, cars. Simple! Noncount (Mass): something that can’t be counted (often because it’s an abstract concept), e.g., air, red, peace. Or an aggregation of people or things that are lumped together as a whole, like luggage, information, or salt. Not quite so simple! Caution! Be careful not to confuse noncounts with collectives, words which are used to name a collection of people or things (e.g., group, herd, bundle ). An easy way to test whether a word is noncount or collective is:

Noncounts don’t follow indefinite articles ( a and an ).
Noncounts don’t usually have a plural form.

For example, you don’t have a luggage or luggages .

An Awkward Bunch

Despite the fact that they often represent an aggregation of people or things, noncounts can be a rather anti-social and awkward word type! They like to stand alone, without an indefinite article:

Music can help you relax.

Not ‘ a music can help you relax.’

I sprinkled salt on my food.

Not ‘I sprinkled a salt on my food.’ However, they can sit nicely with a determiner or quantifier instead.

Determiner — The music was loud.
Quantifier — I sprinkled some salt on my food.

In fact, some quantifiers only work with noncounts. For example:

A little salt
Not much information
A bit of music

However, we would never say:

A little books
Not much cars
A bit of flowers

The Singular or Plural Conundrum

Another quirk of the noncount is that, even when it represents an aggregation or group of things, it can still count as singular for grammatical purposes. For example:

The luggage is heavy. It filled the trunk of the car. This information is useful. It has helped me with my paper.

Even if a noncount appears to take a plural form with an s on the end, don’t be fooled! It may still be classed as grammatically singular. For example:

Politics is a difficult subject to study. I find it hard to grasp. The news is on at 10 pm. It’s on for an hour.

On the flip side, some noncounts are grammatically plural. For example:

My clothes are wet. The scissors are sharp. His manners were fantastic.

However, these go against the grain of plurals by not mixing well with numbers—we never say five clothes or six scissors!

Enumerating a Noncount

These awkward noncounts on the whole don’t mix well with numbers, although there are sneaky tactics that you can sometimes employ to enumerate them. These include:

Grammatically plural — if concrete, add a pair of , e.g., a pair of scissors .
Grammatically singular — if concrete, add a piece of , e.g., a piece of cutlery .
Singular and plural — both concrete and abstract noncounts can be enumerated by adding an indefinite adjective (quantifier), e.g., any, some, less, much .

For example:

Pass me some cutlery .
I don’t have any scissors .
It contains more information .

Fewer vs Less

A quick note on fewer versus less as these are indefinite adjectives (quantifiers) that often trip people up!

Fewer — used for count type, e.g., I have fewer books than Sarah.
Less — used for non-count type, e.g., I have less money than Sarah.

Good and Proper

A proper noun is used to name very specific people, places, things and ideas. As their ‘proper’ title suggests, they’re formal names and, as such, deserve capitalization. Examples include:

People — Sarah, Jack, Mrs. Smith, Prince George, Father Brown, Beethoven
Specific places — America, Europe, Paris, George Street, Roman Empire, Times Square
Natural and man-made landmarks — River Nile, Central Park, Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building, Mount Etna
Religions and related words — Christianity, The Bible, God, Allah, Buddhism
Races and nationalities — African American, Russian, White, Eskimo, Japanese
Languages — French, Spanish, Chinese, English
Periods in history — Stone Age, Middle Ages
Events — Olympic Games, Coachella, Wimbledon, Rio Carnaval, Oktoberfest
Days, months and holidays — Sunday, Friday, June, October, Thanksgiving, Memorial Day (note that the seasons are, somewhat contentiously, classed as common)
Organizations, charities and businesses — New York Police Department (NYPD), Harvard University, Microsoft, Red Cross, Walmart, Forbes
Product brand names — Tresemme, Adidas, Apple, Coca-Cola
Well-known documents and acts — Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Magna Carta, Slavery Abolition Act 1833
Names of specific things and works — Hope Diamond, Mona Lisa, Symphony No. 5, Star Wars, War and Peace
Titles of publications and courses — The Washington Post, Introduction to Computer Science
They can be singular — Sally, Australia, Picasso, iPad
Or plural — the Smiths, the Rockies, the Americas, two iPads

From Proper to Common

Sometimes, they bend the rules to put themselves into a ‘common’ context. For example:

I made a mistake of Titanic proportions.

This is taken to mean a big mistake and isn’t literally referencing the Titanic ship.

I’m an Einstein when it comes to science.

Here Einstein is taken to mean a person who is smart, rather than referencing the man himself specifically. Similarly, over time, some have developed common ‘spin-off’ words. For example:

Famous porcelain from China — a china cup (note, not a China cup)
Coca-Cola — coke (to describe a generic cola drink, not necessarily the Coca-Cola brand)

The Humble Common Noun

Common nouns give a name to a general type of person, thing, object, place, concept or feeling. They’re not ‘formal’ names and, as such, they don’t demand capitalization. Examples include:

People — man, woman, girl, boy, vicar, teacher, children
Places — city, beach, library, street, garden
Things — tiger, leg, sleep, beard
Objects — watch, cake, shoe, ball
Concepts — peace, justice, talent, religion
Feelings — anger, joy, love, envy

In many cases, both a common and proper noun can be applied to the same thing. For example:

A Baby Ruth (proper) is a chocolate bar (common).
Rihanna (proper) is a popular singer (common) in the US.
Mrs. Smith (proper) is a teacher (common).
Benji (proper) is a dog (common).
The Nile (proper) is a river (common).

Of course, you can define proper noun words as having a far narrower application as they can only apply to one very specific thing. Common noun examples have a much wider application—hence their label as ‘common’! For example:

There are thousands of singers (common) in the world, but there’s only one Taylor Swift (proper).

When a Commoner Becomes Proper

Occasionally, a commoner can move up the ranks to become proper—gaining that all-important capitalization along the way. This usually happens when a word becomes synonymous over time with a very specific type of thing. For example, a parka jacket depicts a type of long, all-weather coat. But you could argue that the term Parka is so synonymous with a very specific type of jacket that it should be classed as proper. This is definitely one for the grammar experts to slog out between themselves!

Getting Possessive

Possessive nouns are usually followed by another naming word, indicating that the second thing ‘belongs’ to the first. There are different ways to indicate this possession, depending on the word in question. These can become confusing, so let’s look at them in turn. Singular possessives are usually indicated with ‘s. For example:

the girl’s coat
Emma’s car
the city’s main landmark

As are plural possessives that don’t end in s . For example:

the men’s bathroom
children’s toys

In the case of a plural possessive that ends in s , you simply need to add an apostrophe (‘). For example:

the girls’ coats
the Smiths’ house
the tigers’ pen
the computers’ manufacturer

When we come to singular possessives that end in s , the waters get a little bit muddier. The most popular method used to form a singular possessive is to add ‘s , as detailed above. For example:

James’s book
the bus’s engine

However, just adding the apostrophe is also commonly accepted. For example:

James’ book
the bus’ engine

The Importance of the Apostrophe

You’ll notice that subtle differences in your sentence structure can completely alter its meaning, so it’s important to get your grammar on point. For example:

the girl’s coat — belonging to one particular girl
the girls’ coat — a coat designed to be worn by a girl
the girl’s coats — more than one coat belonging to one particular girl)
the girls’ coats — a group of coats belonging to a group of girls

If you find yourself struggling to figure out where the apostrophe needs to go, why not run a free grammar check on your essay with Chegg Writing? You can also use Chegg Writing to help cite the sources that you use when conducting research and writing your papers . The handy online tool can create citations in the popular APA and MLA format , plus more styles including Chicago/Turabian. Simply find out which style of citation you need to use (ask your professor or lecturer) and let Chegg Writing help you create them the easy way.

A Blessing of Unicorns

A collective noun is a name given to a collection or group of things. Although they represent more than one, they are usually classed as grammatically singular (in American English). For example:

The pride of lions made its way to water.
The cast of actors collected its award.
The class of students was dismissed early.

They can often stand-alone, if the context makes it clear what collection or group of things is being referred to. For example:

We followed the herd on safari.
I got the cast to sign my autograph book.
The class went on its field trip.

But be careful with this, as they can be used to represent very different things. For example:

flock of tourists or flock of birds ** cluster of spiders* or cluster of stars

So saying “I stared open-mouthed at the cluster before me” could have two very different meanings—you might be staring in wonder or staring in horror! Some collective nouns have developed a more general or colloquial meaning. For example, you get a bunch of flowers or a bunch of bananas. However, bunch is also used more generally to denote ‘several’ or ‘lots’. For example:

I saw a bunch of people that I knew.
Thanks a bunch .

Kooky Collectives

Collectives are one of the quirkiest word types in the English language and include some unusual naming words. For instance, it’s difficult to imagine where the examples below came from. For example:

A shiver of sharks
A quiver of cobras
A blush of boys
A disguising of tailors
A drunkship of cobblers
A worship of writers
A nest of rumors

Friendly Compounds

Compound nouns consist of two or more words that have come together to form a new word with its own meaning. These are words that have decided they don’t want to stand-alone—they can work better together with another word! Both proper and common words can be compounded, and within these compounds are three sub-types. Proper

Closed — PlayStation, YouTube
Hyphenated — Coca-Cola, Chick-fil-A
Open Spaced — New York, Ritz Carlton Hotel
Closed — football, textbook
Hyphenated — mother-in-law, well-being
Open Spaced — bus stop, swimming pool

Wal-Mart Or Walmart?

Fun fact! Some popular brands have dropped their hyphens in recent years. For example, Wal-Mart switched to Walmart in 2009. This could possibly be because hyphenated domain names can cause issues for a brand’s online presence. Brands now have a whole host of digital considerations that simply weren’t on the table when they first decided on a name.

The Pronoun Takeover

While both concrete and abstract noun words are undeniably super useful and essential parts of the English language, they can be a bit much at times. Especially when you’re referring to the same thing several times in a sentence or section. For example:

Sally loves Fanta . Sally drinks Fanta every day.

This is where pronouns come in handy. These often small but ever so mighty words have the power to replace names and make your sentences flow much better. For example:

Sally loves Fanta . She drinks it every day.

This works for both proper and common types.

The Empire State Building (proper) is very tall. It stands at 443m.
Sally (proper) loves chocolate (common). She eats some every day.
My dog (common) has a red ball (common). He likes to chase it .

The antecedent nouns give a reference point for the pronouns.

Is I a Noun or a Pronoun?

Commonly used ‘people’ pronouns include he, she, me, his and hers . However, there’s some debate as to the word I . While I is commonly accepted as a first person pronoun , it may not follow the usual antecedent rule. For example, if you were Sally, you wouldn’t write:

Sally loves Fanta. I drink it every day.

Instead you’d simply write:

I love Fanta. I drink it every day.

I is also classed as a naming word in the following contexts:

I — the name of a letter of the alphabet.
I — the subject or object of self-consciousness, i.e. the ego.

This guide should hopefully have answered lots of naming word questions for you, such as ‘what is a possessive noun?’, but if you’re still struggling you can learn more here . The list of nouns can be difficult to remember, for the simple fact that there are so many different categories and variations of these naming words. People, objects, places, ideas and feelings are things that don’t seem to have much in common—yet they all have names, which lumps them grammatically into the same (very large!) category.

Grammar Help is Here!

If you’d like to check your grammar, Chegg Writing can help. Simply upload your paper and let Chegg Writing do the hard work! You can also use the Chegg Writing plagiarism checker to ensure that you’ve cited your sources. We have other grammar pages besides this one, too. Check out two tricky parts of speech: conjunction and interjection . Use the handy online toolkit at Chegg Writing to check for unintentional plagiarism and grammatical errors, and feel more confident that you won’t drop unnecessary marks on avoidable mistakes.

What’s included with a Chegg Writing subscription

Unlimited number of paper scans
Plagiarism detection: Check against billions of sources
Expert proofreading for papers on any subject
Grammar scans for 200+ types of common errors
Automatically create & save citations in 7,000+ styles
Cancel subscription anytime, no obligation

Verify originality of an essay

Get ideas for your paper

Cite sources with ease

Best Definition Essay Topics Guide for an A+ Grade

Updated 30 Aug 2024

Knowing the rules of a definition essay writing is one of the best skills that can be useful for expressing your own idea regarding a particular topic, concept, term or issue and developing research skills that are highly appreciated in any US college (ex. Harvard) or any higher educational establishment. Still, a few questions may occur when looking at general requirements for writing an essay of good quality.

For instance, how to write a definition essay and structure it , how do you choose definition essay topics? Which topics are appropriate examples and which are better to avoid? How to create a thesis for such essay? Or, how do we create the best topic that appropriately defines what we are about to write? What sources can be used while writing this kind of essay? All these questions are quite important for any definitive text and every student should be aware of the answers. If such essay is a new genre for you or you just want to refresh your memory on the topics, this article will cover all the necessary details.

So What Is a Definition Essay?

The answer is quite easy. A definition essay is a paper type in which you focus on explaining and breaking down the meaning of one word. It is an in-depth analysis aimed at discussing and digging up a true understanding based on your own ideas. But, there is a catch: any idea you develop must be backed up by credible and verified evidence.

Seems to be a tough task to choose topics. Why so?

There exist words that are spelled or pronounced similarly but have different meanings. For a student who does not investigate properly, it is very easy to get confused and to mix up definitions or explanations. Interpreting a word in a write-up requires a lot of research, study, and reading. Therefore, when you think of ways to generate exciting and eye-catching definition extended essays topics , here are things you should find out:

Origin of the word: You should be able to search for information regarding its origin — is it French, American, Gaelic? How it was coined, who used it first, where was it used, etc.
Context: Context of usage could have changed over time. Prepare tangible resources that prove or dispute that fact.
Previous versions: Some words are updated versions of what they were in the past. Try to find these versions if possible in order to track alteration of the word.
Usage: How do we use this word today? Have there been any controversial uses for it over time?

Always keep in mind that all these details will be arranged from your personal view, i.e. you have to ‘own’ the definition, quote it in your own words.

Need more writing assistance?

Connect with our top writers and receive a paper sample crafted to your needs.

Guide to 250 Definition Essay Topics to Choose From

Now, when you know everything about a definition essay, go through a compiled list of 100 definition paper topics to choose for your essay.

Definition Argument Essay Topics

Defining "Success" in Modern Society
The True Meaning of "Courage"
What Constitutes "Fairness" in the Workplace?
The Definition of "Privacy" in the Digital Age
Understanding "Equality" in a Diverse Society
The Essence of "Leadership" in Various Contexts
Health: A Comprehensive Definition Beyond Physical Well-being
The Complexities of Defining "Art"
Intelligence: Nature vs. Nurture
The Definition of "Addiction" in a World of Technology and Substances
Happiness: Subjective Well-being or Objective Fulfillment?
What Does It Mean to Be "Educated"?
The True Meaning of "Freedom of Speech"
Defining "Justice" in the Legal System
Love: A Universal Language or Cultural Construct?
The Definition of "Power" in Social and Political Contexts
What Constitutes "Beauty" in Society Today?
The Meaning of "Family" in Contemporary Society
Sustainability: More Than Just an Environmental Term
Understanding "Respect" Across Cultures

Definition Essay Topics for College

The Evolution of "College" as an Institution
Defining "Creativity" in the Academic World
Globalization: Impacts and Implications
The Meaning of "Cultural Appropriation" in Art and Society
Democracy: Ideals vs. Reality
The Definition of "Mental Health" in College Campuses
Professionalism: What Does It Mean for Today's Graduates?
Understanding "Ethics" in Various Disciplines
Innovation: Beyond Invention and Creativity
Social Media: Shaping Identities and Societies
The Concept of "Work-Life Balance" for Students
Multiculturalism in Education
Defining "Academic Freedom"
Entrepreneurship: A Career Path or Mindset?
Volunteerism: The Value Beyond Service
Peer Pressure in College Life
The Role of "Curiosity" in Learning
Stress: Understanding Its Impact on Students
Teamwork in Academic and Professional Settings
The Meaning of "Independence" for College Students

Technology Topics for Definition Essay

Defining "Artificial Intelligence" and Its Scope
Blockchain: Beyond Cryptocurrency
The True Meaning of "Digital Privacy"
Virtual Reality: A New Dimension of Experience
Understanding "Cybersecurity" in a Connected World
Social Networking: Redefining Human Connections
Innovation in the Tech Industry
The Definition of "Smart Technology" in Everyday Life
Big Data: Implications and Ethics
Cloud Computing: Transforming Data Management
Internet of Things: A Networked Future
Augmented Reality: Blending Worlds
Machine Learning: The Path to AI
Digital Divide: Access and Inequality
E-commerce: Redefining Retail
Tech Startups: The New Age of Entrepreneurship
Digital Nomadism: Work and Lifestyle Redefined
Gaming: Entertainment or Culture?
Mobile Technology: The Revolution in Our Pockets
Telemedicine: The Future of Healthcare

Happiness Definition Paper Ideas

Happiness: A State of Mind or Circumstance?
The Role of "Gratitude" in Achieving Happiness
Contentment vs. Happiness
The Impact of "Altruism" on Personal Happiness
Mindfulness: A Path to Happiness?
The Pursuit of Happiness in Different Cultures
Success and Its Relation to Happiness
Social Connections: Their Importance in Feeling Happy
The Science Behind "Happiness"
Self-Acceptance and Its Role in Happiness
Work-Life Balance and Its Effect on Happiness
Financial Security vs. Wealth: What Brings Happiness?
The Influence of "Physical Health" on Happiness
Personal Growth and Its Contribution to Happiness
Simplicity as a Key to Happiness
The Role of "Nature" in Enhancing Happiness
Creativity and Its Impact on Happiness
Spirituality and Happiness: Exploring the Connection
Freedom of Choice and Its Importance to Happiness
Generosity: Does Giving Lead to Happiness?

'Freedom' as a Topic

The Many Facets of "Freedom" in Society
Freedom of Speech: Rights and Responsibilities
Economic Freedom and Its Impact on Societies
The Role of "Freedom of the Press" in Democracy
Religious Freedom: A Fundamental Human Right
Freedom of Expression in Art and Culture
The Concept of "Personal Freedom"
Political Freedom: The Foundation of Democratic Societies
Freedom from Want: Addressing Basic Human Needs
Academic Freedom and Its Importance in Education
Freedom of Movement: A Global Perspective
Digital Freedom: Privacy and Expression Online
Freedom from Fear: Security and Human Rights
The Balance Between "Freedom" and "Equality"
Intellectual Freedom and Its Role in Innovation
Freedom of Association: Building Communities and Networks
Financial Freedom: More Than Just Wealth
Freedom to Choose: Decision-Making and Autonomy
The Historical Struggle for "Freedom"
Freedom in the Age of Globalization

Extended Definition Essay Topics

Defining "Resilience" in the Face of Adversity
The True Essence of "Empathy" in Human Relationships
Sustainability: A Comprehensive Look Beyond the Environment
Integrity: The Bedrock of Character and Trust
Innovation: More Than Just Invention
The Multifaceted Concept of "Justice" in Society
Wisdom vs. Intelligence: Unpacking the Differences
Freedom: A Philosophical and Practical Exploration
Courage: Beyond Physical Bravery
Honor: Its Role and Relevance in Modern Society
Passion: The Driving Force Behind Creativity and Success
Leadership: A Dynamic and Evolving Concept
Happiness: Pursuit and Perception
Beauty: Subjective Ideals and Societal Standards
Equality: Challenges and Achievements in the Modern World
Addiction: Understanding Its Complexity Beyond Substance Abuse
Privacy: Redefining in the Digital Age
Health: A Holistic Approach to Well-being
Culture: The Tapestry of Human Expression and Belief
Success: Personal Fulfillment vs. Societal Recognition

Great Topics on 'Family'

Family: Evolution of Its Definition in a Modern Context
The Role of "Tradition" in Family Dynamics
Single Parenthood: Challenges and Triumphs
Blended Families: Navigating Complexity with Unity
Generational Gap: Bridging Differences within Families
Family Roles: Shifting Perspectives and Expectations
Adoption: Expanding the Concept of Family
Family Support: Its Impact on Individual Resilience
Inheritance: Beyond Material Assets
Family Businesses: Mixing Kinship with Commerce
Domestic Responsibilities: Gender Roles and Equality
Elder Care: The Family's Role in Aging Societies
Family Traditions: Their Importance in Cultural Identity
Parenting Styles: Influence on Child Development
Family Conflict: Resolution and Growth
Family Secrets: The Impact on Trust and Unity
Nuclear Family vs. "Extended Family": Benefits and Challenges
Family Values: Guiding Principles for Behavior and Beliefs
Family Reunions: Celebrating Connections and Heritage
Family Planning: Choices and Implications for Future Generations

Social Topics for a Definition Essay

Social Justice: Unpacking Its Meaning and Importance
Community: The Fabric of Social Connectivity
Identity: Formation in the Social Context
Social Norms: Their Influence on Behavior and Beliefs
Inequality: Addressing Disparities in Society
Social Media: Redefining Human Interaction
Citizenship: Rights, Responsibilities, and Identity
Social Change: Mechanisms and Movements
Prejudice: Understanding Its Roots and Remedies
Globalization: Its Impact on Social Structures
Social Welfare: Systems for Support and Sustainability
Activism: The Drive for Social Reform
Social Anxiety: Navigating the Challenges of Interaction
Cultural Assimilation vs. "Cultural Preservation"
Social Exclusion: Causes and Consequences
Urbanization: Its Effects on Society and Environment
Social Mobility: Realities and Barriers
Ethnicity: Identity and Influence in Society
Social Responsibility: Individual and Collective Roles
Class Consciousness: Awareness and Action

What is Love - Eternal Topic

Love: Beyond Romantic Notions
Unconditional Love: Its Existence and Expression
Platonic Love: The Value of Non-Romantic Relationships
Self-Love: The Foundation of Well-being
Parental Love: Guiding and Letting Go
Love at First Sight: Myth or Reality?
Enduring Love: Secrets to Long-lasting Relationships
Love Languages: Expressing and Receiving Affection
Lost Love: Coping with Heartbreak and Moving On
Love vs. Lust: Distinguishing Deep Connection from Desire
Tough Love: Its Role in Personal Growth
Sacrificial Love: The Limits and Rewards
Rekindled Love: Rediscovering Connections
Unrequited Love: Navigating One-sided Affections
Evolving Love: Adapting to Changes in Relationships
Love and Marriage: Cultural and Personal Perspectives
Love Across Distances: Maintaining Connections
Forbidden Love: Societal Boundaries and Personal Choices
Spiritual Love: Connecting on a Deeper Level
Love and Forgiveness: Healing and Reconciliation

History Definition Essay Topics List

Revolution: Catalysts and Consequences
Empire: Rise, Dominion, and Decline
Renaissance: A Rebirth of Culture and Knowledge
Nationalism: Its Impact on World History
Colonialism: Legacy and Liberation
Industrial Revolution: Transforming Societies and Economies
Cold War: Ideologies and Interventions
Democracy: Evolution of Governance
Treaties: Shaping Borders and Relations
Exploration: Discoveries and Encounters
Inventions: Milestones in Human Progress
Civil Rights: Struggles and Achievements
Feudalism: Social Hierarchy and Land Ownership
Genocide: Understanding and Preventing Atrocities
Migration: Movements and Motivations
Enlightenment: Reason and Reform
Reformation: Religious Conflict and Change
Totalitarianism: Control and Resistance
Independence: Nations Forging Their Own Paths
Cultural Revolution: Upheaval and Transformation

Definition Essay Ideas for Business

Defining "Entrepreneurship": Beyond Starting a Business
Corporate Social Responsibility: Ethical Business Practices
Market Disruption: Changing the Competitive Landscape
Brand Loyalty: The Emotional Connection with Customers
Innovation in Business: More Than Just New Products
Leadership vs. "Management": Distinct Roles in Business Success
Sustainability in Business: Economic, Environmental, and Social Considerations
Networking: Building Relationships for Professional Growth
Customer Satisfaction: Key to Business Longevity
E-commerce: Revolutionizing Retail
Globalization: Impact on Local and International Businesses
Business Ethics: Guiding Principles in the Corporate World
Start-up Culture: Agility and Innovation in Business
Franchising: Expansion Strategy for Businesses
Outsourcing: Delegating Tasks for Efficiency and Cost-Savings
Brand Identity: Crafting a Unique Market Presence
Corporate Culture: Shaping Employee Behavior and Company Values
Digital Marketing: Engaging Customers in the Digital Age
Venture Capital: Fueling Growth in Start-ups
Business Agility: Adapting to Rapid Market Changes

Sports Definition Essay Topics

Teamwork: The Essence of Success in Team Sports
Sportsmanship: Respect and Fair Play On and Off the Field
Endurance: Physical and Mental Stamina in Sports
Coaching: Guiding Athletes Towards Excellence
Olympism: Ideals and Values of the Olympic Movement
Competitiveness: The Drive Behind Athletic Achievement
Physical Fitness: The Foundation of Athletic Performance
Talent vs. "Hard Work" in Sports Success
Injury Prevention: Safeguarding Athletes' Health
Professionalism in Sports: Beyond Amateurism
Mental Toughness: Overcoming Challenges in Sports
Fair Play: Ethical Considerations in Competitive Sports
Athletic Scholarship: Bridging Education and Sports
Sports Nutrition: Fueling Performance and Recovery
Doping: Ethical and Health Implications in Sports
Fan Culture: Community and Identity Among Sports Enthusiasts
Extreme Sports: Thrill-Seeking and Risk Management
Youth Sports: Developmental Benefits and Challenges
Sports Analytics: Data-Driven Decision Making in Sports
Legacy: Impact of Major Sporting Events on Host Communities

'Science' Topics on Any Taste

Scientific Method: The Foundation of Discovery and Innovation
Climate Change: Understanding Global Environmental Shifts
Genetics: The Blueprint of Life and Heredity
Artificial Intelligence: Redefining Human and Machine Interaction
Quantum Physics: Exploring the Subatomic World
Sustainability: Science in Service of the Environment
Biotechnology: Manipulating Biological Systems for Human Benefit
Astronomy: The Study of Celestial Objects and Phenomena
Neuroscience: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Brain
Evolution: The Process of Change in the Natural World
Renewable Energy: Sustainable Power Sources for the Future
Vaccination: Science's Answer to Infectious Diseases
Nanotechnology: Engineering on an Atomic Scale
Ecology: The Interconnectedness of Life and Environment
Robotics: The Creation and Application of Robots
Conservation Biology: Protecting Biodiversity for Future Generations
Geology: The Science of the Earth's Physical Structure
Meteorology: Predicting Weather and Understanding Climate
Chemistry: The Study of Matter and Its Transformations
Physics: The Laws Governing Matter and Energy

Definition Essay Outline — Is It Helpful?

It is impossible to start working on an essay without an outline, especially on an extended definition essay. One can easily get confused without a well-written plan with a well-thought structure of a future paper. Many US universities suggest their students outline their papers as it helps to understand details for structure — what should be in essay and what should not be there. It also helps not to lose the main thought and follow your thesis and serves as a guide.

A definitive essay outline also serves as a map of sorts because it already consists of essay parts arranged according to the order of their appearance. Have you noticed how easy it is to mess up an essay, especially a long one (let’s say, 5000 words) when you try to make some content edits? To avoid such incidents, it is recommended to complete an outline to know how paragraphs should be arranged in order to provide a smooth and consistent transition.

Structure — Identifying all Parts

An extended definition essay has a quite interesting structure. While it might not look very different from commonly used structure of, an argument-rooted essay, for example, there still exist some peculiarities that set this essay type apart from others. Here is an outline template that is in line with the requirements of most US universities:

Introduction: It is your chance to set the stage for rest of the write-up. The idea here is to inform readers of what to expect. Introduce the word, term you are about to define and provide a dictionary definition of it. Keep your introduction paragraph simple, and do not disclose too much detail here.
Thesis statement: In your thesis complete your own extended definition of a word or term based on your research and understanding of it.
Main body: Remember that whole load of research you did when preparing? The body is where you arrange all that data — origin, context, previous versions, usage. Using paragraphs for each aspect, identify core parts in true meaning and provide an explanation where needed. Make your work good enough to meet requirements for an interesting read, as well as an academic work.
Conclusion: For conclusion, general idea is, to sum up, what has been discussed in this paper — different explanations, description and others. This is akin to closing remarks and is never a good point to start a fresh set of arguments — keep that in mind.

Each of these outline parts plays an important role in making your definition essay look presentable, easy to read and follow. Completing an outline and good research will help to reach these goals.

Read also: 200+ Argumentative Essay Topics

Definition Essay Examples

Below are two definition essay examples. These would serve as a factual guide on how to begin writing and ways to keep information relevant. They would help you understand all do’s and don’ts of this essay types and help you to work towards your perfect essay.

If you're looking for more examples, you can also find definition essay examples online to expand your knowledge and enhance your writing skills.

SAMPLE 1 “The Statue of Liberty During revolution years the need came up for America to choose a physical symbol for what founding fathers stood…” Notice how writer used a hook at the beginning instead of providing a boring definition at once: “The Statue of Liberty can be defined as…” Key rule in writing an extended definition essay: never start with the main idea. Look for suitable ways to create an inversion, i.e. create a cascade of paragraphs that will gradually lead to term being explained.

SAMPLE 2 “Ohm’s Law In the years that followed the discovery of electricity, many human attempts were made to understand the effects that emulated together to achieve the fluorescence produced by…” Another key rule is: When dealing with science, keep it scientific. Do not deviate to use layman terms, especially if this is meant to be purely academic paper. Let your etymology rhyme with context on which this essay is formed. Here is third rule that would help you especially in definition argument topics is avoiding what is referred to as ‘mindless lifting’ — direct copying of an explanation from the source. If a certain analogy was used to make an explanation, look for more persuasive analogy that could achieve the same effect. Avoid direct copying from outside source in order not be accused of plagiarism.

FOUND THE TOPIC BUT NO TIME TO WRITE?

Writing an essay requires choosing a well-constructed topic. But it becomes easier to handle with good information and the right guide. At essay writing service EduBirdie comes a lot of work and time, as well as, one of our main objectives is to guide students with their academic tasks that appear to be complex, like one we discussed in this article.

If you still have difficulties writing a definition essay, our writers are ready to help you with the ideas for a topic, outline or thesis writing help. We are available 24/7 and gladly offer you a helping hand. Still, not sure if you need it? Message us to learn more about what writers can do!

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback.

Written by David Kidwell

David is one of those experienced content creators from the United Kingdom who has a high interest in social issues, culture, and entrepreneurship. He always says that reading, blogging, and staying aware of what happens in the world is what makes a person responsible. He likes to learn and share what he knows by making things inspiring and creative enough even for those students who dislike reading.

How to Write a Definition Essay: Structure, Outline, Samples

Learn the elements, outline, and logic behind a definition essay. Explore different types of definitions and their functions. Get tips on writing a...

How to Write Winning Scholarship Essays: Prompts, Tips, and Strategies

What is a scholarship essay? Before we explore what to write in a scholarship essay, let’s specify the definition of this term. It is a written ...

Join our 150K of happy users

Get original papers written according to your instructions
Save time for what matters most

How to Order

Essay Writing Guide

Essay Topics

A Catalog of 370+ Essay Topics for Students

38 min read

Essay Topics For Different Academic Levels

Essay writing spans various academic levels, offering students a structured platform to express their thoughts and demonstrate knowledge. From elementary school to university, essays refine critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to articulate ideas.

Let’s take a look at some best essay topic ideas for students from different academic levels.

Essay Topics for Grade 3

My Favorite Animal
A Day at the Amusement Park
If I Could Fly
My Best Friend
My Favorite Season
A Special Family Tradition
If I Found a Magic Wand
The Importance of Being Kind
My Dream House
A Day in the Life of a Superhero

Essay Topics for Grade 4

My Favorite Book and Why I Love It
The Most Exciting Adventure I've Ever Had
My Role Model and Why I Look Up to Them
The Importance of Saving Money
If I Could Travel Back in Time
A Day Without Electricity
My Favorite Food and How to Prepare It
The Best Day of My Life and Why It Was Special
How I Would Spend a Day on a Deserted Island
The Benefits of Homework and Studying

Essay Topics for Grade 5

My Dream Vacation Destination
The Impact of Technology on My Life
The Importance of Environmental Conservation
My Hobbies and Why They Matter
If I Could Change One Thing About the World
The Role of Friendship in My Life
A Memorable Family Trip
The Power of Imagination
The Benefits of Physical Exercise
A Day in the Life of My Favorite Book Character

Essay Topics for Grade 6

My Personal Hero and Their Influence on Me
The Challenges of Growing Up
The Significance of Volunteering in the Community
The Impact of Social Media on Society
The Value of Setting Goals
If I Could Invent a New Holiday
The Role of Art and Music in My Life
The Benefits of Traveling and Experiencing Different Cultures
A Time I Overcame a Fear
The Importance of Time Management

Essay Topics for Grade 7

The Role of Technology in Education
The Impact of Bullying and How to Prevent It
The Value of a Good Education
The Pros and Cons of Social Networking
The Effects of Peer Pressure
If I Could Change One Thing About My School
The Benefits of Learning a Second Language
The Importance of Financial Literacy
A Time I Faced a Difficult Decision
The Significance of Gender Equality

Essay Topics for Grade 8

The Influence of Role Models in Our Lives
The Impact of Climate Change on the Environment
The Value of Diversity and Inclusion
The Role of Technology in Shaping the Future
The Importance of Critical Thinking Skills
If I Could Travel to Any Period in History
The Ethics of Animal Testing
The Benefits of Team Sports
A Time I Learned a Valuable Life Lesson
The Significance of Freedom of Speech

Essay Topics for High School Students

Does the fashion industry need to change the way they advertise?
Do beauty pageants carry any benefits for women?
Should women get plastic surgery?
What instigated World War 2?
What do people mean when they say “Fake news?”
Can constant use of drugs cause brain damage?
Can gun control help in regulating crime?
Is summer school designed to help children?
Methods that are used by professionals to get their dream job.
The ways to deal with on-campus violence.

Best College Essay Topics Ideas

Role of Modern Media in contributing to eating disorders.
Is technology turning people into zombies?
Is censorship on the internet necessary?
Will there be a 3rd World War?
Should every student have the right to choose the discipline they are interested in?
What does it take to become a politician?
The reasons behind high unemployment rates.
The aftermath of earthquakes.
Which countries have the most corruption?
Should there be a restriction on the sales and production of tobacco?

Essay Topics for University Students

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Job Market.
The Ethical Dilemmas of Human Gene Editing.
The Role of Social Media in Shaping Political Movements.
The Influence of Climate Change on Global Security.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Education.
The Intersection of Technology and Mental Health.
The Economic Implications of Renewable Energy Adoption.
The Future of Space Exploration and Colonization.
The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare.
The Cultural Significance of Contemporary Art Movements.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Essay Topics for Different Types of Essays

Here, you can find interesting topics and ideas for different types of essays to help you get started.

Argumentative Essay Topics

Is Climate Change Primarily Caused by Human Activities?
Should Affirmative Action Policies be Continued in College Admissions?
Is Universal Healthcare a Viable Option for the United States?
Should Euthanasia be Allowed for Severely Disabled Newborns?
Is Genetic Engineering Ethical in Humans?
Should the Voting Age be Lowered to 16?
Is Internet Censorship Necessary to Protect National Security?
Should Hate Speech be Protected as Free Speech?
Does asking someone to reduce weight equate to body shaming?
Should kids be allowed to adopt e-gaming as a progressive career?

In need of more debatable essay topics? We have a comprehensive list of more excellent argumentative essay topics to assist you.

Persuasive Essay Topics

Covid19 : Should Covid-19 Vaccination be Mandatory?
Recycling: Should Recycling Be Mandatory in Every Household?
Online Education : Should Online Education Replace Traditional Classroom Learning?
Dress Codes: Should Schools Implement Uniform Dress Codes to Promote Equality?
Smoking : Should Smoking in Public Places be Banned?
Vaccinations: Should Vaccinations Be Mandatory for All Children to Ensure Public Health?
Gun Control : Should There be Stricter Gun Control Laws in the United States?
Animal Testing: Is Animal Testing Justified in the Name of Scientific Progress?
Business : Should Businesses Adopt Environmentally Sustainable Practices?
Abortion : Should Abortion be Legalized in All Countries?

Read our comprehensive guide to persuasive essay topics to find a trending topic or a good idea for your paper.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Comparison of High School vs. College Life
Contrast of Traditional Education vs. Online Learning
Comparison of Two Major Religions: Christianity vs. Islam
Contrasting the Novels of Jane Austen vs. Emily Brontë
Comparing Two Art Movements: Renaissance vs. Baroque
Contrasting Classical Music vs. Jazz
Comparing Two Smartphone Brands: iPhone vs. Android
Contrast of Two Political Systems: Democracy vs. Authoritarianism
Comparison of Traditional Medicine vs. Modern Medicine
Comparing the Characters of Romeo and Juliet vs. West Side Story

If you need more ideas, here are some interesting compare contrast essay topics for your help.

Descriptive Essay Topics

Person : Describe a mentor or role model who has influenced your life.
Person You Admire : Write about someone you admire for their courage and resilience.
My Mother : Capture the essence of your mother’s personality and daily routines.
Autumn : Explore the sights, sounds, and smells of autumn in a rural setting.
Nature : Describe a serene forest scene during sunrise or sunset.
Place : Paint a vivid picture of your favorite vacation spot by the beach.
Myself : Reflect on your own characteristics and how they shape your identity.
Food : Describe the preparation and flavors of a traditional dish from your culture.
Historical Place: Describe the architecture and ambiance of a famous historical landmark.
Sporting Event: Capture the excitement and atmosphere of attending a major sporting event.

Check out this extensive list of descriptive essay topics ideas for your help.

Narrative Essay Topics

My First Day of School: A Memorable Experience
The Day I Overcame My Greatest Fear
The Most Important Lesson I Learned from a Family Member
The Time I Achieved a Personal Goal, I Never Thought Possible
The Day I Discovered My Passion for a Hobby or Interest
The Impact of a Life-Altering Event on My Perspective
The Story Behind My Most Prized Possession
My Experience as a Volunteer or in Community Service
The Day I Realized the Power of Kindness
A Special Bond I Share with a Childhood Friend

Need more topics? Check out this extensive blog on narrative essay topics for your next assignment.

Classification Essay Topics

Types of Pet Owners: A Classification.
Classification of Musical Genres: From Classical to Hip-Hop.
Types of Travelers: Exploring the Adventurer, Relaxer, and Culture Enthusiast.
Classifying Different Types of Social Media Users.
Types of Students in a Classroom: From the Overachiever to the Laid-Back.
Classifying Different Styles of Fashion: Bohemian, Classic, and Trendy.
Types of Moviegoers: The Action Lover, Rom-Com Fan, and Film Buff.
Classifying Different Forms of Exercise: Yoga, Weightlifting, and Cardio.
Types of Foodies: From Gourmet Enthusiasts to Fast Food Lovers.
Classifying Various Types of Vehicles: Cars, Motorcycles, and Bicycles

Check out other compelling classification essay topics for more ideas.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Causes and Effects of Stress in Modern Society
The Consequences of Bullying on Mental Health
Environmental Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
The Influence of Parental Divorce on Children's Well-being
The Causes and Effects of Obesity in Developed Countries
The Causes and Effects of Economic Inequality
The Causes and Consequences of Academic Procrastination
The Impact of Social Pressure on Teenagers' Decision-Making
The Causes and Effects of Drug Addiction
The Influence of Early Education on a Child's Future Success

Check out this comprehensive guide on 100+ cause and effect essay topics for more ideas.

Expository Essay Topics

About a Person : Analyze the leadership qualities of a historical figure.
About Yourself : Reflect on the experiences that shaped your character.
About a Book : Examine the themes of justice and revenge in "The Count of Monte Cristo."
About Mental Health : Discuss the impact of mindfulness practices on mental well-being.
About Dogs : Explore the evolution of dog breeds and their domestication.
About Education : Evaluate the effectiveness of online learning in today's educational system.
Friendship : Investigate the qualities that make a friendship resilient over time.
Bullying : Analyze the psychological effects of cyberbullying on adolescents.
Music : Explore the influence of technology on music production and distribution.
Life Events of a Person: Trace the career milestones and achievements of a renowned scientist.

For some more intriguing ideas check out our blog on expository essay topics .

Informative Essay Topics

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Job Market
The History and Cultural Significance of Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphics
The Benefits and Risks of Gene Editing Technology
Exploring Renewable Energy Sources: Solar, Wind, and Hydroelectric Power
The Effects of Climate Change on Polar Ice Caps and Wildlife
A Comprehensive Guide to Effective Time Management
Exploring the Role of Nutrition in Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle
The Significance of Space Exploration: Past, Present, and Future
The Origins and Cultural Significance of a Traditional Festival
A Guide to Sustainable Farming and Agriculture Practices

Here’s a comprehensive list of interesting, 100+ informative essay topics .

Definition Essay Topics

The Meaning of "Success" in Modern Society
Defining the Concept of "Love" in All Its Forms
The True Definition of "Friendship"
The Ever-Changing Meaning of "Freedom"
Exploring the Notion of "Happiness"
Defining "Cultural Diversity" and Its Importance
The Multifaceted Definition of "Beauty"
The Various Interpretations of "Justice"
Understanding "Mental Health" and Its Stigma
Defining "Leadership" and Its Qualities

Process Analysis Essay Topics

How to Plan and Organize a Successful Study Group.
The Process of Making Homemade Pizza from Scratch.
Steps to Mastering a Musical Instrument.
How to Write a Winning College Application Essay.
The Process of Brewing Your Own Craft Beer.
Steps to Launching a Small Business Online.
How to Effectively Manage Time and Prioritize Tasks.
The Art of DIY Home Renovation.
The Process of Creating a Stunning Piece of Art.
How to Cook a Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner.

Check out some other process analysis essay topics for inspiration!

Exemplification Essay Topics

The Impact of Social Media on Personal Relationships
Benefits and Challenges of Remote Work in Today's Job Market
The Role of Technology in Education: Enhancing Learning or Creating Distractions?
Environmental Policies: Effectiveness in Combating Climate Change
The Importance of Financial Literacy in High School Curriculum
Challenges Faced by International Students Studying Abroad
The Rise of Veganism: Lifestyle Choice or Necessary Environmental Movement?
The Influence of Pop Culture on Youth Identity
Strategies for Achieving Work-Life Balance in a Fast-Paced Society
The Pros and Cons of Legalizing Marijuana for Medicinal Purposes

For more ideas on exemplification essays visit our dedicated blog on ‘ exemplification essay topics ’

Analogy Essay Topics

Comparing the human brain to a computer's processing system.
The relationship between a teacher and a gardener nurturing plants.
Friendship compared to a tree growing strong over time.
The immune system as a city's defense force.
Comparing time management to juggling multiple balls.
The life cycle of a butterfly and personal growth through challenges.
A good book is like a journey to an unknown land.
The internet as a vast library of knowledge and misinformation.
Love compared to a delicate, blooming flower.
The process of writing an essay and constructing a building.

Research Essay Topics

The Impact of Renewable Energy Sources on Global Economies
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Medicine
The Effects of Climate Change on Coastal Ecosystems
The Evolution of Space Exploration Technologies
The Influence of Ancient Greek Philosophy on Western Thought
The Significance of Biodiversity in Maintaining Ecological Balance
The History and Development of Quantum Computing
The Role of Women in the Scientific Revolution
The Impact of Globalization on Local Cultures and Traditions
The Advancements in Genetic Engineering and Their Ethical Implications

Personal Essay Topics

A person you admire the most.
Are you addicted to games?
How did you learn to draw?
What is your life’s goal?
Things you hate the most.
Why do I prefer online shopping?
Your biggest achievement.
What does success mean to you?
What annoys you the most?
Why is volunteering important?

Essay Topics by Subjects

Students are often asked by teachers to write essays on a variety of topics related to a particular subject. The sheer number of discussion areas can be overwhelming for students, making it difficult to choose a good essay topic.

This list of essay topics by subject can help you narrow down your choices and find a topic that is both interesting and relevant to your studies.

Essay Topics on Technology

Technology and the global economy.
The positives and effects of technology.
The role of 3-D printing in Medicine.
What science has to offer to disabled people?
Face detection software and the problem of identity theft.
Adding connectivity to our home devices: is it helpful or not?
Cloud computing and artificial intelligence
How has technology changed our life?
Life without technology
Technology has its own rules

Essay Topics on Science

Engineering: The Future of Renewable Energy Sources Beyond Solar and Wind
Science Fiction : Exploring the Role of AI in Dystopian Futures
Space Science: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life Beyond Our Solar System
Science and Technology : Blockchain Technology and Its Applications in Various Industries
Environmental Science: The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Ecosystems
Science in Everyday Life : The Science Behind Cooking and Food Preservation
Health Science: The Role of Genetics in Personalized Medicine
Essay about Science Fair : The Benefits of Participating in Science Fairs for Students
Physics: The Concept of Dark Matter and Its Implications in Cosmology
Chemistry: Advances in Nanotechnology and Their Applications in Medicine

Essay Topics on Climate Change

The effects of climate change on human health
The impact of climate change on global food security
The economic impacts of climate change
The role of the media in communicating the risks of climate change
The ethical implications of climate change
The Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture
The Impacts of Climate Change on Wildlife
The Potential Solutions to Climate Change
The Challenges in Implementing Solutions to Climate Change
The Role of the Individual in Solving Climate Change

Essay Topics About Yourself

Introduce yourself in a unique way that captures your reader's attention.
Discuss an accomplishment that you are proud of, and how it has shaped who you are today.
Describe a time when you faced a challenge, and how you overcame it.
Share an experience that has helped to shape your values and beliefs.
What are your hobbies and interests?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
What are your career aspirations?
Describe a time when you faced a challenge and how you coped with it.
Tell us about a time when you were proud of yourself and why.
What are your plans for the future?

Essay Topics About the Environment

The Impact of Climate Change on Global Weather Patterns.
Deforestation and Its Effects on Biodiversity.
The Role of Renewable Energy Sources in Combating Climate Change.
Plastic Pollution: Analyzing the Impact on Marine Ecosystems.
The Importance of Environmental Education in Schools.
Urbanization and Its Environmental Consequences.
Sustainable Agriculture: Balancing Food Production and Environmental Conservation.
The Significance of Wildlife Conservation and Preservation.
The Ethics of Animal Testing in Scientific Research.
Environmental Justice: Addressing Disparities in Environmental Quality.

Essay Topics on Festivals and Events

The Cultural Significance of Diwali in India
The Historical Roots of Thanksgiving in America
The Evolution of the Olympic Games Over Time
The Role of Carnival in Brazilian Culture
The Impact of Oktoberfest on German Economy and Culture
The Celebration of Chinese New Year Around the World
The Environmental Effects of Large Music Festivals
The Religious and Social Importance of Ramadan
The Origins and Traditions of Mardi Gras in New Orleans
The Global Influence of the Cannes Film Festival

Essay Topics on Education

The Impact of Technology on Modern Education
The Role of Standardized Testing in Student Assessment
The Benefits and Challenges of Online Learning
The Importance of Arts Education in Schools
The Effectiveness of Montessori Education Methods
The Debate Over School Uniform Policies
The Influence of Early Childhood Education on Development
The Role of Vocational Training in the Workforce
The Challenges of Inclusive Education for Students with Disabilities
The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Educational Achievement

Essay Topics on Famous Leaders

The Leadership Style of Nelson Mandela and Its Impact on South Africa
The Political Legacy of Winston Churchill During World War II
The Influence of Mahatma Gandhi’s Philosophy of Nonviolence
The Economic Reforms of Deng Xiaoping in China
The Role of Cleopatra in Ancient Egyptian Politics
The Visionary Leadership of Steve Jobs in the Tech Industry
The Human Rights Advocacy of Eleanor Roosevelt
The Military Strategies of Alexander the Great
The Contributions of Angela Merkel to European Politics
The Reforms Introduced by Franklin D. Roosevelt During the Great Depression

Essay Topics on Animals and Birds

The Role of Bees in Ecosystem Balance and Agriculture
The Social Structures and Behaviors of Elephant Herds
The Migration Patterns of Monarch Butterflies
The Endangered Status of Tigers and Conservation Efforts
The Communication Methods of Dolphins
The Importance of Wetlands for Bird Habitats
The Evolutionary Adaptations of Arctic Foxes
The Impact of Deforestation on Orangutan Populations
The Role of Birds in Pollination and Seed Dispersal
The Ethical Implications of Zoos and Wildlife Parks

Essay Topics Based on Proverbs

"A Stitch in Time Saves Nine": The Importance of Timeliness and Preventive Actions
"Actions Speak Louder Than Words": Analyzing the Power of Deeds Over Words
"All That Glitters Is Not Gold": Understanding Superficial Appearances vs. Reality
"Birds of a Feather Flock Together": The Influence of Social Circles on Behavior
"Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining": Finding Positivity in Adversity
"The Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword": The Impact of Writing and Ideas Over Violence
"When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do": The Value of Cultural Adaptation
"A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step": The Significance of Taking Initiative
"Don't Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch": The Pitfalls of Overconfidence and Assumptions
"You Can't Judge a Book by Its Cover": The Importance of Looking Beyond Surface Appearances

Essay Topics About Life Goals

The Importance of Setting and Achieving Personal Goals
How Career Aspirations Shape Individual Identity and Life Choices
The Role of Education in Achieving Long-term Life Goals
Balancing Professional Ambitions with Personal Happiness
The Influence of Family Expectations on Life Goals
Overcoming Obstacles to Achieve Life Goals
The Impact of Mentors and Role Models on Goal Setting
How Travel and Exploration Can Inspire New Life Goals
The Role of Financial Planning in Achieving Life Goals
The Connection Between Health Goals and Overall Life Satisfaction

Simple Essay Topics

The Benefits of Reading Books
The Importance of Recycling
My Favorite Hobby and Why I Love It
The Advantages of Eating Healthy
The Impact of Pets on Our Lives
A Memorable Family Vacation
The Role of Sports in Our Daily Life
The Importance of Learning a Second Language
How to Keep a Balanced Diet
The Significance of Friendship in Our Lives

Interesting Essay Topics

The Future of Space Tourism
The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
The Role of Virtual Reality in Education
The Cultural Impact of Video Games
The Evolution of Fashion Over the Decades
The Influence of Music on Human Emotions
The Benefits and Risks of Genetic Engineering
The Psychology Behind Conspiracy Theories
The Impact of Climate Change on Endangered Species
The Social Implications of Remote Work Trends

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job

Tips for Choosing the Best Topic for Your Essay

Choosing the right topic for your essay is a critical step in the essay writing process. It sets the tone for your work and can greatly impact your ability to engage your readers. Here are some tips to help you select the best topic:

Align with the Essay Format

Make sure your topic fits the required essay format , whether it's argumentative , descriptive , or narrative .

Craft a Strong Essay Outline

Choose a topic that allows for a clear and structured essay outline , making it easier to organize your thoughts.

Engaging Essay Introduction

Select a topic that can hook your readers from the essay introduction , capturing their interest immediately.

Clear Thesis Statement

Pick a topic that enables you to develop a concise and arguable thesis statement , guiding the direction of your essay.

Effective Topic Sentence

Ensure your topic allows for strong and relevant topic sentences in each paragraph to support your thesis.

Compelling Essay Title

Select a topic that can be transformed into an intriguing essay title , drawing readers in from the start.

Avoid Irrelevant and Long Topic

Pick a topic that is neither too broad nor too narrow to avoid common essay writing problems , such as lack of depth or insufficient content.

In conclusion, selecting the best topic for your essay is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact the quality and engagement level of your writing. By considering your interests, you can set yourself up for success in crafting an exceptional essay.

Still need help? Head over to our website and request ' Write an essay for me '. At MyPerfectWords.com , our team of skilled writers is ready to assist you through every phase of the writing process, from topic selection to delivering a polished final draft.

Don't wait any longer, your perfect essay is just a click away!

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Definition Essay Topics - Best Picks for You

In this article, you'll embark on a learning journey to grasp the ins and outs of what makes a definition essay unique. We'll guide you through the art of crafting these essays, providing you with the essential skills and techniques to express your ideas effectively. But that's not all – our platform, where you have the option to buy essay online , will also open the door to a world of inspiration with a plethora of engaging topic suggestions and enlightening example essays. With this resource at your fingertips, you're poised to become a confident and skilled at writing a definition essay in no time!

What is Definition Essay

Definition essay is a type of academic writing that aims to explain the meaning of a specific term, concept, or idea in detail.

At first glance, a definition essay might seem like the most straightforward form of writing. After all, it's right there in the name, isn't it? You define something, and you're done! Well, not quite. While the basic premise is to provide a clear and concise explanation of a particular term or concept, the true artistry of your definition custom essays lies in its ability to transcend mere dictionary definitions. It's a form of linguistic gymnastics, a quest to unlock the multifaceted nature of words and ideas.

Consider this: Is a tree merely a collection of roots, branches, leaves, and bark? Or is it something more profound? Exploring a topic for a definition essay ventures beyond the ordinary to dissect these elements, exploring their significance, historical context, and even their emotional resonance. It delves into the nuances, exposing the rich tapestry of meanings that a single word can carry.

One of the most alluring aspects of the definition essay topics is its dance with ambiguity. Words are not always neatly packaged entities; they often morph with time and context. What was once a straightforward term can evolve into a complex, multidimensional concept. This essay form allows writers to revel in this ambiguity, to question and examine the ever-shifting boundaries of language.

When generating captivating definition research paper topics , these concise points can serve as a starting point:

Cultural Shifts : Investigate how societal changes reshape a term's meaning.
Controversial Concepts : Explore terms sparking debates with multiple interpretations.
Untranslatable Words : Delve into culturally unique, untranslatable terms.
Morphing in the Digital Age : Examine how digital advancements redefine terminology.
Philosophical Abstractions : Analyze complex philosophical concepts.
Cultural Context : Study how terms vary across cultures and regions.
Concepts in Literature and Art : Explore how artists redefine terms.

Key Aspects of Good Definition Essay Topics

Choosing the right definition essay topic can be as daunting as searching for buried treasure. However, when it comes to writing a definition essay, the quest for the perfect topic becomes an art in itself. So, what are the key aspects of a captivating definition essay topic? Let's embark on this intellectual adventure and unearth the gems hidden within these topics.

Complexity and Depth : Much like when learning how to write a hook for an essay , look for terms that aren't just superficial labels but concepts with depth, history, and room for interpretation.
Controversy and Debate : Seek out topics that spark debate and controversy. These are the battlefields of ideas, where multiple perspectives collide.
Relevance and Significance : The best topics are those that resonate with the times. A topic that speaks to the human experience, both past and present, is worth its weight in gold.
Personal Connection : A great definition essay topic often has a personal resonance. This personal connection can infuse your essay with passion and authenticity, making it more engaging for your readers.
Room for Exploration : A good topic should provide ample room for exploration. It shouldn't be so narrow that you run out of things to say after a few paragraphs, nor so broad that it becomes overwhelming.
Intellectual Challenge : Embrace the challenge. A good topic should make you think, question, and dig deeper. It should push you to research, analyze, and perhaps even challenge your own assumptions.
Uniqueness : Finally, strive for uniqueness. While classic topics have their merits, exploring lesser-known terms or offering a fresh perspective on a well-trodden path can make your essay stand out.

Diving into Intriguing Definition Essay Topics

Having a captivating informative essay topics or social issues topics at your disposal is like holding the key to unlocking a world of ideas. It's your ticket to dive deep into a subject, concept, or notion and let your creativity soar. Below, you'll find an endless list of definition essay topic ideas to spark your creativity and inspire your writing journey. So, let your exploration begin!

Ready to Redefine Essay Excellence with Our Word Wizards?

Don't delay; let's sculpt your definition essay into a masterpiece of wordsmithery!

Send us your request and be sure that you’ll receive a definition essay on any topic of the highest quality within the set timeframe! Diving into Intriguing Definition Essay Topics

Having a captivating topic at your disposal is like holding the key to unlocking a world of ideas. It's your ticket to dive deep into a subject, concept, or notion and let your creativity soar. Below, you'll find an endless list of captivating topic ideas to spark your creativity and inspire your writing journey. So, let your exploration begin!

Extended Definition Essay Topics

Resilience: How do we not just overcome challenges but learn and grow from them?
Define "civilization" beyond advanced technology. Consider factors like ethics and social structures.
Happy Accidents: What makes a lucky find turn into something truly amazing?
Distinguish true innovation from mere invention. How does innovation address current needs?
How does disinformation differ from simple misinformation?
With technology getting more advanced, what does it mean to be a cyborg?
Define sustainability beyond environmentalism. How does it encompass social and economic factors?
What does it mean to be a global citizen in an interconnected world?
Define cultural appropriation with nuance. How can we appreciate cultures without disrespecting them?
In an increasingly demanding world, define a healthy work-life balance. How can we achieve it?
Nostalgia: Why do we love remembering the good old days, even if they weren't perfect?
Analyze the complexities of cancel culture. What are its potential benefits and drawbacks?
As AI continues to evolve, what would it mean for it to achieve sentience?
Define the metaverse and its potential impact on society.
Algorithmic Bias: How can we make sure computers don't treat people differently because of mistakes in their code?

Funny Definition Essay Topics

Explain Procrastination: Why do we wait until the last minute to do things, even with snacks involved?
Being a Grown-Up: How to pay bills, do laundry, and pretend you know how to use a dishwasher.
The "I Woke Up Like This" Look: The truth behind messy buns and "no makeup" makeup.
Mom-isms: A Dictionary: Understanding what your mom really means when she says things like "clean your room" or "we need to talk."
The 5-Second Rule: Why dropped food is totally okay to eat if you grab it fast enough.
Explanation behind the Resting Grumpy Face phenomenon.
Define the awkward phase of the Friend Zone with tips for maybe getting out or staying happy where you are.
The Quiet Game: Explain how to be okay with those uncomfortable silences in conversation.
Mansplaining: A funny look at explaining things to someone who already knows.
Define social media with hilarious ups and downs of trying to show a perfect online life, even when things are messy behind the scenes.
Netflix Binge Olympics: Training tips and snack strategies for the intense world of competitive binge-watching.
The Bermuda Triangle of Laundry: Where mismatched socks and single earrings go to vanish forever.
Why are afternoon naps awesome, even if you wake up with sleep marks?
How buying things (even when you don't need them) can make you feel happy.
Why talking to yourself isn't crazy; it's just a way to solve problems.

Society Definition Essay Topics

Teamplayers vs. Lone Wolves: How do people work together in a group versus doing things on their own?
Following the Rules (or Not): What are rules in society for, and why do people sometimes break them?
From Strangers to Friends: How do people become friends and build communities?
Sharing is Caring (Usually): Why do we share things with others, and what happens when we don't?
Fashion Follies: How do trends in clothing and style reflect society as a whole?
Fads vs. Traditions: What's the difference between something everyone does for a short time and something people do for generations?
Helping Hands: Why do people volunteer and help others in need?
Celebrating Differences: How can people from different backgrounds come together and learn from each other?
The Power of Words: How can what we say affect others and society as a whole?
Social Media Circles: How do online platforms connect people and shape how we see the world?
City Life vs. Country Living: What are the pros and cons of living in a crowded city versus a quiet rural area?
The News Feed: How do news and information travel through society, and how does it affect us?
From Small Towns to Global Stage: How are local communities connected to the wider world?
Changing with the Times: How do societies adapt and change over time?
The Future We Build: How can we work together to create a better society for everyone?

Creative Definition Essay Topics

Community: A group of people living in the same area who share things and help each other.
Culture: The beliefs, customs, and arts of a particular group of people.
Social Class: A group of people with similar wealth, income, and education.
Family: A group of people related to each other, like parents and children.
Social Mobility: The ability to move up or down in social class.
Diversity: Having many different types of people, ideas, and cultures.
Social Media: Websites and apps used to connect with people and share information.
Technology: The tools and machines that people use to make life easier.
Education: The process of learning knowledge and skills.
Law: The rules that a society creates to keep order.
Social Norms: The unwritten rules about how people behave in a society.
Government: The group of people who make and enforce laws.
Socialization: The process of learning the ways of a society.
Tradition: The customs and beliefs that are passed down from generation to generation.
Social Change: The way that a society changes over time.

Common Definition Essay Topics

What are the different forms of love, and how do they shape our lives?
How do we build trust in relationships, and why is it so important?
What defines a true friend, and how do friendships impact us?
Why is honesty essential in all aspects of life?
How does respect foster positive connections with others?
What does happiness mean to you? How can we achieve a sense of fulfillment?
What are the different types of fear, and how can we overcome them?
What is kindness, and how does it make the world a better place?
How does loyalty strengthen bonds in our relationships?
What is gratitude, and how can we cultivate it in our daily lives?
How does patience help us navigate challenges in life?
What does hard work mean, and how does dedication lead to success?
Why is perseverance important for overcoming obstacles?
How does life experience shape wisdom? What does it mean to be wise?
What is peace, and how can we find calmness in our everyday lives?

History Definition Essay Topics

What is the Renaissance, and Why is it Important?
Describe the Industrial Revolution and its impact on society.
Who Were the Ancient Egyptians?
What is Feudalism?
Discuss the importance of the Silk Road in connecting different cultures.
What Led to the Fall of the Roman Empire?
Explain how democracy began in ancient Greece and its evolution.
Define colonialism and discuss its effects on colonized countries.
Narrate the main causes of World War I and its consequences.
What Was the American Civil Rights Movement?
The Meaning of the Cold War
Define imperialism and provide examples of its practice in history.
Discuss how Enlightenment ideas have shaped contemporary society.
What Triggered the French Revolution?
The Significance of the Magna Carta

Philosophy Definition Essay Topics

Do we have free will, or are we just along for the ride?
Is there more than meets the eye? Discuss the different ideas about reality.
If there's a good God, why do bad things happen? Tackle the problem of reconciling suffering with a benevolent higher power.
Can we ever be absolutely sure about anything?
What is consciousness, and how does the mind relate to the brain?
Is there a point to life? What makes our existence meaningful?
Ethics: What makes something right or wrong?
What is Existentialism, and how do we create meaning in a world without inherent purpose?
What does it mean to be fair?
Who are we, really? The Mystery of the Self.
Is there more to the universe than we can see? Discuss metaphysics.
The Quest for Knowledge: How do we acquire knowledge, and what constitutes justified belief?
What is Logic? Introduces the principles of reasoned argument and their importance in sound decision-making.
Aesthetics: Is beauty in the eye of the beholder? Or is it universal?
How do we become good people? Virtue Ethics Explained.

How To Choose Definition Essay Topics

Selecting the perfect words for your paper can be a formidable task. Here's a guide to help you navigate this linguistic maze:

Embrace Complexity : Don't settle for words with a single, straightforward meaning. Opt for terms that invite you to flex your writing muscles and showcase your subject expertise.
Stir Debate : Seek words that thrive on controversy within varying contexts. A great definition essay thrives on the debates surrounding the term, so choose words that spark discussions.
Build Your Lexicon : Create a repository of potential definition essay topic ideas, especially when your instructor leaves the choice up to you. Having a list ready ensures you're never short of intriguing subjects.
Multiple Meanings : Delve into the richness of language by exploring words with multiple meanings. They offer a canvas for you to paint multifaceted portraits of ideas, pushing your writing to new heights.

Definition Essay Example

Here, we've prepared some compelling definition essay examples that illuminate the richness of language and thought, providing clarity on topics both familiar and intriguing. These definition essay topics invite you to embark on a journey of understanding, where your own words and concepts reveal their hidden depths and discover more about the human experience.

Final Words

In the realm of definition essays, the power of words to shape our understanding of the world becomes evident. Through this diverse array of topics, we've unlocked the doors to deeper comprehension and insight. So, choose your definition essay topic wisely, apply your unique perspective, and let the fascinating world of definitions broaden your horizons, one word at a time. And if you ever need a simple yet helpful guide to how to write a conclusion for an essay , we've got you covered on that too!

Unlock the Lexicon of Brilliance!

Choose your best definition essay topics today and let our word wizards conjure intellectual magic!

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Added new topics

Social Studies Topics: Philosophy, Economics, Culture & More!

Dictionaries home
American English
Collocations
German-English
Grammar home
Practical English Usage
Learn & Practise Grammar (Beta)
Word Lists home
My Word Lists
Recent additions
Resources home
Text Checker

Definition of essay noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

I have to write an essay this weekend.
essay on something an essay on the causes of the First World War
essay about somebody/something Have you done your essay about Napoleon yet?
in an essay He made some very good points in his essay.
Essays handed in late will not be accepted.
Have you done your essay yet?
He concludes the essay by calling for a corrective.
I finished my essay about 10 o'clock last night!
Lunch was the only time she could finish her essay assignment.
We have to write an essay on the environment.
You have to answer 3 out of 8 essay questions in the exam.
the teenage winner of an essay contest
We have to write an essay on the causes of the First World War.
be entitled something
be titled something
address something
in an/the essay
essay about

Want to learn more?

Find out which words work together and produce more natural-sounding English with the Oxford Collocations Dictionary app. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.

Get the Huge list of 100+ Speech Topics here

Argumentative Essay Topics

Should plastic be banned?
Pollution due to Urbanization
Education should be free
Should Students get limited access to the Internet?
Selling Tobacco should be banned
Smoking in public places should be banned
Facebook should be banned
Students should not be allowed to play PUBG

Essay Topics on Technology

Wonder Of Science
Mobile Phone

Essay Topics on Festivals on Events

Independence Day (15 August)
Teachers Day
Summer Vacation
Children’s Day
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Janmashtami
Republic Day

Essay Topics on Education

Education Essay
Importance of Education
Contribution of Technology in Education

Essay Topics on Famous Leaders

Mahatma Gandhi
APJ Abdul Kalam
Jawaharlal Nehru
Swami Vivekananda
Mother Teresa
Rabindranath Tagore
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Subhash Chandra Bose
Abraham Lincoln
Martin Luther King
Lal Bahadur Shashtri

Essay Topics on Animals and Birds

My Favorite Animal

Essays Topics About Yourself

My Best Friend
My Favourite Teacher
My Aim In Life
My Favourite Game – Badminton
My Favourite Game – Essay
My Favourite Book
My Ambition
How I Spent My Summer Vacation
India of My Dreams
My School Life
I Love My Family
My Favourite Subject
My Favourite Game Badminton
My Father My Hero
My School Library
My Favourite Author
My plans for summer vacation

Essay Topics Based on Environment and Nature

Global Warming
Environment
Air Pollution
Environmental Pollution
Water Pollution
Rainy Season
Climate Change
Importance Of Trees
Winter Season
Deforestation
Natural Disasters
Save Environment
Summer Season
Trees Our Best Friend Essay In English

Essay Topics Based on Proverbs

Health Is Wealth
A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
An Apple a Day Keeps Doctor Away
Where there is a will, there is way
Time and Tide wait for none

Toppr provides free study materials like NCERT Solutions for Students, Previous 10 Years of Question Papers, 1000+ hours of video lectures for free. Download Toppr app for Android and iOS or signup for free.

Essay Topics for Students from 6th, 7th, 8th Grade

Noise Pollution
Environment Pollution
Women Empowerment
Time and Tide Wait for none
Science and Technology
Importance of Sports
Sports and Games
Time Management
Cleanliness is next to Godliness
Cleanliness
Rome was not Built in a Day
Unemployment
Clean India
Cow Essay In English
Describe Yourself
Festivals Of India
Ganesh Chaturthi
Healthy Food
Importance Of Water
Plastic Pollution
Value of Time
Honesty is the Best Policy
Gandhi Jayanti
Human Rights
Knowledge Is Power
Same Sex Marriage
Childhood Memories
Cyber Crime
Kalpana Chawla
Punctuality
Rani Lakshmi Bai
Spring Season
Unity In Diversity
Artificial Intelligence
Online Shopping
Indian Culture
Healthy Lifestyle
Indian Education System
Disaster Management
Environmental Issues
Freedom Fighters
Grandparents
Save Fuel For Better Environment
Importance Of Newspaper
Lal Bahadur Shastri
Raksha Bandhan
World Environment Day
Narendra Modi
What Is Religion
Charity Begins at Home
A Journey by Train
Ideal student
Save Water Save Earth
Indian Farmer
Safety of Women in India
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Capital Punishment
College Life
Natural Resources
Peer Pressure
Nature Vs Nurture
Romeo And Juliet
Generation Gap
Makar Sankranti
Constitution of India
Girl Education
Importance of Family
Importance of Independence Day
Brain Drain
A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed
Action Speaks Louder Than Words
All That Glitters Is Not Gold
Bhagat Singh
Demonetization
Agriculture
Importance of Discipline
Population Explosion
Poverty in India
Uses Of Mobile Phones
Water Scarcity
Train Journey
Land Pollution
Environment Protection
Indian Army
Uses of Internet
All that Glitters is not Gold
Balanced Diet
Blood Donation
Digital India
Dussehra Essay
Energy Conservation
National Integration
Railway Station
Sachin Tendulkar
Health And Hygiene
Importance Of Forest
Indira Gandhi
Laughter Is The Best Medicine
Career Goals
Mental Health
Save Water Save Life
International Yoga Day
Winter Vacation
Soil Pollution
Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining
Indian Culture And Tradition
Unity Is Strength
Unity is Diversity
Wildlife Conservation
Cruelty To Animals
Nelson Mandela
Of Mice And Men
Organ Donation
Life in a Big City
Democracy in India
Waste Management
Biodiversity
Afforestation
Female Foeticide
Harmful Effects Of Junk Food
Rain Water Harvesting
Save Electricity
Social Media
Social Networking Sites
Sound Pollution
Procrastination
Life in an Indian Village
Life in Big City
Population Growth
World Population Day
Greenhouse Effect
Statue of Unity
Traffic Jam
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
Importance of Good Manners
Good Manners
Cyber Security
Green Revolution
Health And Fitness
Incredible India
Make In India
Surgical Strike
Triple Talaq
A Good Friend
Importance of Friends in our Life
Should Plastic be Banned
Nationalism
Traffic Rules
Effects of Global Warming
Fundamental Rights
Solar System
National Constitution Day
Good Mother
Importance of Trees in our Life
City Life Vs Village Life
Importance of Communication
Conservation of Nature
Man vs. Machine
Indian Economy
Mothers Love
Importance of National Integration
Black Money
Greenhouse effect
Untouchability
Self Discipline
Global Terrorism
Conservation of Biodiversity
Newspaper and Its Uses
World Health Day
Conservation of Natural Resources
A Picnic with Family
Indian Heritage
Status of Women in India
Child is Father of the Man
Reading is Good Habit
Plastic Bag
Terrorism in India
Library and Its Uses
Life on Mars
Urbanization
Pollution Due to Diwali
National Flag of India
Vocational Education
Importance of Tree Plantation
Summer Camp
Vehicle Pollution
Women Education in India
Seasons in India
Freedom of the Press
Caste System
Environment and Human Health
Mountain Climbing
Depletion of Natural Resources
Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Health Education
Effects of Deforestation
Life after School
Starvation in India
Jan Dhan Yojana
Impact of Privatization
Election Commission of India
Election and Democracy
Prevention of Global Warming
Impact of Cinema in Life
Subhas Chandra Bose
Dowry System
Ganesh Chaturthi Festival
Role of Science in Making India
Impact of Global Warming on Oceans
Pollution due to Festivals
Ambedkar Jayanti
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Family Planning in India
Democracy vs Dictatorship
National Festivals of India
Sri Aurobindo
Casteism in India
Organ trafficking
Consequences of Global Warming
Role of Human Activities in Global Warming
Issues and Problems faced by Women in India
Role of Judiciary in the Country Today
Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
PUBG Mobile Game Addiction
Role of Youths in Nation Building
Value of Oxygen and Water in Life/Earth
Farmer Suicides in India
Start-up India
Pollution Due to Firecrackers
Life of Soldiers
Child Labour
Save Girl Child
Morning Walk
My School Fete
Essay on Financial Literacy
Essay On Sustainable Development
Essay On Punjab
Essay On Travel
My Home Essay
Child Marriage Essay
Importance Of English Language Essay
Essay On Mass Media
Essay On Horse
Essay On Police
Essay On Eid
Essay On Solar Energy
Animal Essay
Essay On Mango
Gender Discrimination Essay
Essay On Advertisement
My First Day At School Essay
My Neighborhood Essay
True Friendship Essay
Work Is Worship Essay
Essay On Self Confidence
Essay On Superstition
Essay On Bangalore
Sex Vs Gender Essay
Essay On Social Issues
Time Is Money Essay
Essay About Grandmothers
Essay On Hard Work
First Day Of School Essay
Flowers Essay
My Favorite Food Essay
Essay on Birds
Essay on Humanity
Essay on Sun
Essay on Kargil War
Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining Essay
Francis Bacon Essays
Importance of Cleanliness Essay
My Sister Essay
Self Introduction Essay
Solar Energy Essay
Sports Day Essa
Value Of Education Essay
Essay On Isro
Essay On Balance Is Beneficial
Essay On Reservation In India
Essay On Water Management
Essay On Smoking
Essay On Stress Management
Essay On William Shakespeare
Essay on Apple
Essay On Albert Einstein
Essay On Feminism
Essay On Kindness
Essay On Domestic Violence
Essay on English as a Global Language
Essay On Co-Education
Importance Of Exercise Essay
Overpopulation Essay
Smartphone Essay
Essay on River
Essay on Cyclone
Essay On Facebook
Essay On Science In Everyday Life
Essay On Women Rights
Essay On Right To Education
Essay on Quotes
Essay On Peace
Essay On Drawing
Essay On Bicycle
Essay On Sexual Harassment
Essay On Hospital
Essay On Srinivasa Ramanujan
Essay On Golden Temple
Essay On Art
Essay On Ruskin Bond
Essay On Moon
Birthday Essay
Dont Judge A Book By Its Cover Essay
Draught Essay
Gratitude Essay
Indian Politics Essay
Who am I Essay
Essay on Positive Thinking
Essay on Dance
Essay on Navratri
Essay on Onam
Essay on New Education Policy 2020
Esasy on Thank you Coronavirus Helpers
Essay on Coronavirus and Coronavirus Symptoms
Essay on Baseball
Essay on coronavirus vaccine
Fitness beats pandemic essay
Essay on coronavirus tips
Essay on coronavirus prevention
Essay on coronavirus treatment
Essay on essay on trees
Essay on television
Gender inequality essay
Water conservation essay
Essay on Gurpurab
Essay on Types of sports
Essay on road safety
Essay on my favourite season
My pet essay
Student life essay
Essay on Railway station
Essay on earth
Essay on knowledge is power
Essay on favourite personality
Essay on memorable day of my life
My parents essay
Our country essay
Picnic essay
Travelling essay

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

Letter Writing
It So Happened Summary
Honey Dew Chapter Summaries
The Alien Hand
Malu Bhalu Summary
Sing a Song of People Summary
The Little Bully Summary
Nobody’s Friend Summary
Class Discussion Summary
Crying Summary in English

Download the App

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

Knowledge Base
Nouns and pronouns
What Is a Pronoun? | Definition, Types & Examples

What Is a Pronoun? | Definition, Types & Examples

Published on October 17, 2022 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on March 2, 2023.

A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun , often to avoid the need to repeat the same noun over and over. Like nouns, pronouns can refer to people, things, concepts, and places. Most sentences contain at least one noun or pronoun.

People tend to use “pronouns” to mean personal pronouns specifically, but there are many other kinds of pronouns that are just as important to English grammar. The words highlighted in bold below are all pronouns.

It might rain tomorrow, but there isn’t much we can do about that .

These are the days that I like best.

How are pronouns used in sentences, pronouns vs. nouns, pronouns vs. determiners, personal pronouns (first-, second-, and third-person).

Demonstrative pronouns
Interrogative pronouns
Relative pronouns
Indefinite pronouns
Reciprocal pronouns
Dummy pronouns (expletives)

Pronoun antecedents

The antecedent of a pronoun is the noun that it refers back to. It’s usually mentioned in the text before the pronoun, but sometimes it comes just after it in a sentence. The antecedent may also be something the person you’re speaking to said. Pronoun-antecedent agreement means ensuring that the pronoun you use matches its antecedent in number, person, and gender.

As they debated the point, the students became increasingly animated.

Person A: What do you think of Julian ?

When you use any type of pronoun, it’s important to ensure that the antecedent is clear and unambiguous. If there is any ambiguity, use the noun instead. For example, below, “it” would be unclear, as it could refer to either the interview or the test.

After the interview and the written test were completed, it was checked for incomplete answers.
After the interview and the written test were completed, the test was checked for incomplete answers.

Check for common mistakes

Use the best grammar checker available to check for common mistakes in your text.

Fix mistakes for free

While pronouns constitute a relatively small class of words that tends not to change over time, nouns are a much broader class that is constantly expanding. Like pronouns, nouns refer to things, people, places, and concepts, but they do so with much greater specificity.

Like pronouns, nouns can function as the head of a noun phrase and as the object or subject of a verb . A complete sentence may consist of just a noun and a verb (“Jeremy spoke.”), just as it could of a pronoun and a verb (“He spoke.”).

Unlike pronouns, nouns are fixed in form—they don’t change spellings depending on their grammatical role in a sentence. For example, while the third-person masculine pronoun “he” becomes “him” when used as an object, the noun “man” doesn’t change.

Many pronouns are closely related to determiners, being spelled similarly (or identically) and expressing related meanings. For example, possessive pronouns like “yours” are closely related to possessive determiners like “your”; and demonstrative pronouns like “that” are identical to the demonstrative determiners.

The grammatical distinction between the two is that pronouns stand on their own as the subject or object of a verb, whereas determiners are only used to modify nouns, not acting as subjects or objects in their own right.

Personal pronouns are words like “he” that refer to yourself, the person you’re addressing, or other people and things. They usually refer to an antecedent but may occur without one when the reference is self-evident (e.g., “I” always refers to the person saying or writing it).

Personal pronouns can change their form based on:

Person ( first- , second- , or third-person )
Number (singular or plural)
Gender (masculine, feminine, neuter, or epicene)
Case ( subject , object , possessive , or reflexive / intensive )

The impersonal pronoun “one” is used in general statements about no particular person. It has fewer forms than the personal pronouns but is otherwise used in the same way.

Download this table

The four demonstrative pronouns ( this , that , these , and those ) are used to indicate something previously mentioned or, in conversation, something that is clear from the context. For example, in the sentence “Take this,” “this” has no explicit antecedent, but it would be clear in context that it referred to whatever object you were being given.

The demonstrative pronouns give information about the relative closeness (literal or figurative) of the things they refer to, especially when they’re contrasted with each other:

The “near” demonstrative this (singular) or these (plural) indicates something close to you.
The “far” demonstrative that (singular) or those (plural) indicates something farther from you.

Interrogative pronouns are used (along with other types of interrogative words) to introduce questions. The interrogative pronouns are:

What and which , used to ask questions about things
Who and whom , used to ask about people
Whose , used to ask about ownership

What were your favorite classes at school?

A relative pronoun is used to introduce a relative clause—a phrase that usually supplies more information about the preceding noun. They have a lot in common with interrogative pronouns. The relative pronouns are:

Which(ever) , that , and what(ever) , used in relation to things
Who(ever) and whom(ever) , used in relation to people
Whose , used to indicate ownership

Relative pronouns are often omitted in practice (e.g., “the book [that] I read”). There’s nothing wrong with doing this as long as it doesn’t create ambiguity.

It doesn’t matter whose it was; it’s ours now!

Indefinite pronouns are words like “somebody” that refer to an unspecified person or thing. Many of them are formed using some combination of some- , any- , every- , or no- with -thing , -one , -where , or -body .

There are also various indefinite pronouns used to describe quantity, such as “little,” “many,” “none,” and “enough.” And there are distributive pronouns like “neither” and “each” that allow you to distinguish between options.

The impersonal pronoun “one” can also be regarded as indefinite.

No one likes him, and he doesn’t like anyone .

Some are born lucky, while others have to work hard for everything they get.

Reciprocal pronouns are used to indicate a reciprocal relationship between two people or things, where the members of a group each perform the same action relative to the other(s). The English reciprocal pronouns are each other and one another .

Some writers claim that “each other” should only be used to refer to groups of two and “one another” to groups of three or more. But this distinction is rejected by most style guides and not borne out in practice; you can use the two interchangeably.

A dummy pronoun (also called an expletive ) is a pronoun that doesn’t have any explicit meaning but is necessary to the sentence structure . Unlike other pronouns, dummy pronouns don’t actually replace a noun.

The two words used as dummy pronouns in English are it and there . Note that both words can also fulfill other grammatical roles. Dummy pronouns are commonly used to talk about the weather, to emphasize certain elements in a sentence, or to introduce the existence of something.

There are thousands of different species of birds in the world.

If you want to know more about nouns , pronouns, verbs , and other parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations and examples.

Nouns & pronouns

Common nouns
Proper nouns
Collective nouns
Personal pronouns
Uncountable and countable nouns
Verb tenses
Phrasal verbs
Types of verbs
Active vs passive voice
Subject-verb agreement
Interjections
Determiners
Prepositions

The term preferred pronouns is used to mean the (third-person) personal pronouns a person identifies with and would like to be referred to by. People usually state the subject and object pronoun (e.g., “she/her”) but may also include the possessive (e.g., “she/her/hers”).

Most people go by the masculine “he/him,” the feminine “she/her,” the gender-neutral singular “they/them,” or some combination of these. There are also neopronouns used to express nonbinary gender identity, such as “xe/xem.” These are less common than the singular “they.”

The practice of stating one’s preferred pronouns (e.g., in a professional context or on a social media profile) is meant to promote inclusion for transgender and gender-nonconforming people. The first- and second-person pronouns (“I” and “you”) are not included, since they’re the same for everyone.

A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun. Like nouns, pronouns refer to people, things, concepts, or places. Most sentences contain at least one noun or pronoun.

A pronoun can serve as the subject or object in a sentence, and it will usually refer back (or sometimes forward) to an antecedent—the noun that the pronoun stands in for. Pronouns are used to avoid the need to repeat the same nouns over and over.

Pronouns can be categorized into many types, all of which are very commonly used in English:

Subject and object pronouns
Possessive pronouns
Reflexive pronouns and intensive pronouns
Impersonal pronouns

Pronouns are words like “I,” “she,” and “they” that are used in a similar way to nouns . They stand in for a noun that has already been mentioned or refer to yourself and other people.

Pronouns can function just like nouns as the head of a noun phrase and as the subject or object of a verb . However, pronouns change their forms (e.g., from “I” to “me”) depending on the grammatical context they’re used in, whereas nouns usually don’t.

Sources in this article

We strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below.

Caulfield, J. (2023, March 02). What Is a Pronoun? | Definition, Types & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 30, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/nouns-and-pronouns/pronouns/

Aarts, B. (2011). Oxford modern English grammar . Oxford University Press.

Butterfield, J. (Ed.). (2015). Fowler’s dictionary of modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Garner, B. A. (2016). Garner’s modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Other students also liked, first-person pronouns | list, examples & explanation, what is a determiner | definition, types & examples, what is a proper noun | definition & examples, get unlimited documents corrected.

✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

IMAGES

Nouns in the English Language: [Essay Example], 2272 words GradesFixer
Abstract Noun Essay Example
10 lines on Noun|| English Grammar||10 lines essay on Noun
1000+ List of Nouns PDF
10 Examples of Noun in Sentences
NOUNS

VIDEO

Common Noun and Proper Noun examples
Noun & It's types in English grammar| Proper/Common/Abstract/Material/Collective nouns
Important Essay Topics
Countable and Uncountable noun
Pronunciation of Essay as a Noun and a Verb #shorts #learnenglish
Noun Definition and example||what is a noun ||noun examples #english #englishgrammar #noun

COMMENTS

How to Generate Strong Essay Topics, With 30 Topic Examples
Here are a few examples of essay topics and accompanying thesis statements: Topic: Changing the legal voting age. Thesis statement: When nations lower the legal voting age to 16, youth civic participation increases. To combat low voter turnout among young adults, the United States should reduce the voting age to 16.
What Is a Noun?
A noun is a word that represents a person, thing, concept, or place. Most sentences contain at least one noun or pronoun. For example, the sentences below contain anywhere from one to three nouns. Examples: Nouns in a sentence. The dog ran very fast. June is my favorite month.
Nouns: Types of Nouns With Examples
Girl is a common noun; we do not learn the identity of the girl by reading this sentence, though we know the action she takes.River is also a common noun in this sentence.. Types of common nouns. Common or generic nouns can be broken down into three subtypes: concrete nouns, abstract nouns, and collective nouns.A concrete noun is something that is perceived by the senses; something that is ...
21 College Essay Topics & Ideas That Worked
Here's a list of essay topics and ideas that worked for my one-on-one students: Essay Topic: My Allergies Inspired Me. After nearly dying from anaphylactic shock at five years old, I began a journey healing my anxiety and understanding the PTSD around my allergies. This created a passion for medicine and immunology, and now I want to become ...
Noun: Definition, Meaning, Types and Examples
Nouns are the words in a sentence that represent a certain person (John), place (London), thing (pen), idea (discipline), or animal (dog). Nouns can be concrete (pen) or abstract (discipline). The easiest way to spot a noun is by identifying a name, place, thing, idea, or animal in a sentence. Being aware of the noun definition, noun meaning ...
Nouns in the English Language: [Essay Example], 2272 words
A noun is one of the eight parts of speech that is used to name a person, an animal, a place, a thing, a quality, a job title, a state and even an action: writing. Nouns are the largest class of words that one uses to name all the things we know about, have, see, hear, taste, smell, or feel . According to Jean Yates nouns include words for ...
150 Creative Definition Essay Topics For College Students
Unique Definition Essay Topics. The quirkiness of 'fam': exploring unconventional family structures. The essence of 'chill': beyond a relaxing vibe. Defining 'awkward': navigating social discomfort. The true meaning of 'indie': beyond music and film. The 'vibe' culture: capturing the unspoken atmosphere.
Using Noun Phrases and Clauses for Better Topic Sentences
You may want to practice by making some example sentences for your essay topic. Note: Clauses have a subject and a verb, although they may not make a complete idea. Example: where he was going. Phrases are a group of words, but they do not have a verb. They usually consist of nouns, gerunds, infinitives, adjectives, and prepositions.
Noun
Common noun. A general object or idea. baby. Proper noun. A specific person, place, or thing. India. Compound nouns. Two or more words combine to function as a noun. Often, they are proper, but ...
Choosing Your College Essay Topic
12. Kirsten Courault. Kirsten studied political economy at U.C. Berkeley and has seven years of experience as a writer, editor, and English teacher. She cherishes helping students unearth their unique stories for college admissions essays. A strong college essay topic should be personal, original, and specific.
What is a Noun? Definition and Examples
Concrete nouns are the simpler of the two. They're tangible things that can be detected by the senses. For example: You can touch, see and smell a flower. You can hold a pencil. You can see your friend Emily. Abstract nouns are far trickier to pin down—both literally and metaphorically speaking! You can't hold anger or space or childhood.
55 Research Paper Topics to Jump-Start Your Paper
55 Research Paper Topics to Jump-Start Your Paper. Matt Ellis. Updated on October 9, 2023 Students. Coming up with research paper topics is the first step in writing most papers. While it may seem easy compared to the actual writing, choosing the right research paper topic is nonetheless one of the most important steps.
250+ Definition Essay Topics Ideas for Students
History Definition Essay Topics List. Revolution: Catalysts and Consequences. Empire: Rise, Dominion, and Decline. Renaissance: A Rebirth of Culture and Knowledge. Nationalism: Its Impact on World History. Colonialism: Legacy and Liberation. Industrial Revolution: Transforming Societies and Economies.
20 Definition Essay Topics That Go Beyond the Obvious
Panic (noun) 1. sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety, often causing wildly unthinking behavior "A wave of panic washed over him as he realized he didn't have a topic for his definition essay." If this definition applies to you right now, and you're panicking because you have a paper due tomorrow (okay, so you've procrastinated just a little bit on this paper), take a deep breath.
abstract noun essay
Abstract Noun Thesis. 1. For our first paper, I didn't find anything too difficult. The topic of using an abstract noun, such as fear or love, left an open opportunity to choose something that engraved a memory into our mind. So when I began to write about a fearful night of mine, I had no problem because the memory was quite vivid.
List of 370+ Essay Topics & Ideas to Get You Started in 2024
Essay Topics for Grade 5. My Dream Vacation Destination. The Impact of Technology on My Life. The Importance of Environmental Conservation. My Hobbies and Why They Matter. If I Could Change One Thing About the World. The Role of Friendship in My Life. A Memorable Family Trip.
Uncovering Endless Inspiration for Your Essay
Complexity and Depth: Much like when learning how to write a hook for an essay, look for terms that aren't just superficial labels but concepts with depth, history, and room for interpretation.; Controversy and Debate: Seek out topics that spark debate and controversy.These are the battlefields of ideas, where multiple perspectives collide. Relevance and Significance: The best topics are those ...
essay noun
essay (by somebody) a collection of essays by prominent African American writers; essay on somebody/something The book contains a number of interesting essays on women in society. essay about somebody/something Pierce contributes a long essay about John F. Kennedy. in an essay I discuss this in a forthcoming essay.
101 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
The following is a list of 101 topics for compare and contrast essays that you are welcome to use in your classroom. As you look through the list, you will see that some items are academic in nature while others are included for interest-building and fun writing activities. Apple vs. Microsoft. Coke vs. Pepsi. Renaissance Art vs. Baroque Art.
Noun guide from EasyBib.com. Learn about the common and proper noun
Feelings — anger, joy, love, envy. In many cases, both a common and proper noun can be applied to the same thing. For example: A Baby Ruth (proper) is a chocolate bar (common). Rihanna (proper) is a popular singer (common) in the US. Mrs. Smith (proper) is a teacher (common). Benji (proper) is a dog (common).
Essay Topics
Find 500+ Essay writing topics for students, college students, kids and students from grade 6, 7, 8. We have the largest collection of essay topics and ideas. Find 500+ Essay writing topics for students, college students, kids and students from grade 6, 7, 8. Learn. CBSE. Class 5 to 12. Physics. Difference Between in Physics;
What Is a Pronoun?
Revised on March 2, 2023. A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun, often to avoid the need to repeat the same noun over and over. Like nouns, pronouns can refer to people, things, concepts, and places. Most sentences contain at least one noun or pronoun. People tend to use "pronouns" to mean personal pronouns specifically, but there ...
www.clastify.com
Login. JOIN FOR FREE

Checklist: Dissertation Proposal

Examples: Edited Papers

What is a Noun?

Noun examples

Types of nouns

Collective noun

Common noun

Abstract noun

Concrete noun

Plural noun

Possessive noun

Compound noun

Countable nouns

Uncountable nouns

Appositive nouns

Using nouns as different parts of a sentence

Noun as a subject complement

Noun as an object

Noun as an object complement

Noun as a modifier

Frequently Asked Questions

One comment on “ Noun: Definition, Meaning, Types, and Examples ”

Your vs. You’re: When to Use Your and You’re

Nouns in The English Language

Cite this Essay

Related Essays

Still can’t find what you need?

Related Essays on English Language

Related Topics

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

Using Noun Phrases and Clauses for Better Topic Sentences

Other Noun Clauses

Noun clauses from question-answer responses

Share This Book

Nouns: What’s in a Name?

Guide Overview

What is a Noun?

Controversy and Crossover

Where the Magic Happens

Phrase or Clause?

Types of Nouns List

Singular or Plural

Concrete vs Abstract

Can You Count It?

An Awkward Bunch

The Singular or Plural Conundrum

Enumerating a Noncount

Fewer vs Less

Good and Proper

From Proper to Common

The Humble Common Noun

When a Commoner Becomes Proper

Getting Possessive

The Importance of the Apostrophe

A Blessing of Unicorns

Kooky Collectives

Friendly Compounds

Wal-Mart Or Walmart?

The Pronoun Takeover

Is I a Noun or a Pronoun?

Grammar Help is Here!

What’s included with a Chegg Writing subscription

Best Definition Essay Topics Guide for an A+ Grade

So What Is a Definition Essay?

Need more writing assistance?

Guide to 250 Definition Essay Topics to Choose From

Definition Argument Essay Topics

Definition Essay Topics for College

Technology Topics for Definition Essay

Happiness Definition Paper Ideas

'Freedom' as a Topic

Extended Definition Essay Topics

Great Topics on 'Family'

Social Topics for a Definition Essay

What is Love - Eternal Topic

History Definition Essay Topics List

Definition Essay Ideas for Business

Sports Definition Essay Topics

'Science' Topics on Any Taste

Definition Essay Outline — Is It Helpful?