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Definition Essay Topics

Published by at December 6th, 2021 , Revised On November 3, 2023

Definition essays define a particular topic or subject. They are based on topics with conflicting opinions and views. In short, the purpose of a definition essay is to explain a particular word, phrase or complex to the reader. Carefully study and investigate the chosen concept to write a first-class definition essay.

The success of a definition essay, as with any other essay, depends on the topic. The topic must be captivating and specific to arouse the reader’s interest. It would be helpful if the topic contained terms with numerous meanings.

Choose a term with a wide range of meanings, so you will have plenty of food for thought when writing your essay. Before choosing a topic, consult the dictionary for the definition and where the word comes from. This way, you can better understand how the word or phrase came into the dictionary and in what context it is used best.

Writing a successful definition essay depends on how well the writer understands the term. They should be well versed in the term and its many meanings. Avoid choosing a topic you are not familiar with, especially for college definition essays.

Avoid writing a definition essay where you simply introduce the meanings without expressing your opinion on the topic. Your interpretation and analysis enhance the depth of the essay. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to produce an excellent definition essay and give you some great topic ideas that you can use right away.

Here is our selection of some excellent definition essay topics:

Definition Essay Topics for High School

  1. Characteristics of a successful person
  2. What exactly is courtesy?
  3. Should males and girls have their own classes?
  4. What does it mean to be wealthy?
  5. Extracurricular activities are quite important.
  6. When is it appropriate to get a cell phone?
  7. How can you improve your self-esteem?
  8. Money’s power
  9. What does it mean to you to be a good student?
  10. Describe the influence of parents on a child’s conduct.
  11. Define “beautiful” from a different standpoint.
  12. Describe the friendship in your own words
  13. How do you determine whether or not someone is selfish?
  14. Why do you think school is so dull?
  15. Define the term “liberty.”
  16. Describe your state’s most significant historical event.
  17. How do you define the term “American”?
  18. What are some of the reasons you enjoy prom?
  19. Discuss the significance of high school grades.
  20. Bullying in schools is a problem.
  21. Characteristics of a great leader
  22. What impact has patriarchy had on women?
  23. In a society, there is a class system.
  24. What does happiness mean to you?
  25. A good friend’s characteristics
  26. What do you consider to be a good film?
  27. Is it appropriate to allow cell phones and cameras in schools?

Definition Essay Topics for College

  1. What is the value of a college diploma?
  2. Describe the characteristics of a good college professor.
  3. What does it mean to you to have a “best friend”?
  4. For you, what does the phrase “respect” mean?
  5. Define what hatred is in nature.
  6. What does it mean to be successful?
  7. After 9/11, there has been an increase in Islamophobia.
  8. Is democracy the most effective form of governance?
  9. Optional freedom
  10. The Benefits and Drawbacks of eBooks
  11. Technological progress
  12. What impact has social media had on the youth?
  13. Religion’s Impact on Politics
  14. Taking on social responsibilities
  15. Is global warming a myth, or is it a fact?
  16. What is Feminism, exactly?
  17. The Impact of the Digital Revolution
  18. Describe the most humanitarian aspects of your existence.
  19. Define the role of student life on campus.
  20. What does it mean to be a good college student?
  21. Describe the challenges of studying abroad.
  22. Define the significance of a war

Extended Definition Essay Topics

  1. Citizens’ liberties
  2. An excellent educator
  3. What is the definition of a healthy weight?
  4. A perfect mother
  5. Friendships that last
  6. What does it mean to be brave, and what is the difference between having the courage and being brave?
  7. What exactly is faith?
  8. What is the meaning of love in its purest form?
  9. What does it mean to be beautiful?
  10. What does trust mean to you, and how important is it in our lives?
  11. Why is hatred the most harmful emotion of all?
  12. A fantastic student
  13. What does it mean to be a responsible citizen?
  14. What does it mean to have a conservative mindset?
  15. What exactly is misogyny?
  16. Racism in the developed world
  17. What is the definition of honesty?
  18. What distinguishes wisdom from knowledge?
  19. What exactly does it entail to be generous?
  20. What is respect, and how does it present itself?
  21. A perfect partner
  22. How can poverty be eliminated?
  23. How to Spot a Narcissist?
  24. Parenting that is strict.
  25. A successful person and his characteristics

Funniest Definition Essay Topics

  1. Being a celebrity has its advantages.
  2. How do you end your relationship with your girlfriend or boyfriend?
  3. Procrastination techniques
  4. What does it need to be cute?
  5. Why do girls enjoy shopping so much?
  6. Are boys overly concerned with their social standing?
  7. Is it true that all girls are gold diggers?
  8. The advantages of being a homeless person
  9. What is it about humorous cat videos that makes them the best thing in the world?
  10. What is sarcasm, and why isn’t everyone aware of it?
  11. Why do people enjoy commercials so much?
  12. Why are dogs considered to be man’s best friend?
  13. How is singlehood preferable to marriage?
  14. How to get into your home late at night
  15. Why are high school stereotypes beneficial to you?
  16. Why should animals be entitled to more rights than humans?
  17. How do you become the most obnoxious person possible?
  18. How do you spend your time in the most efficient way possible and always get away with it?
  19. A dumb roommate’s characteristics.
  20. Is travelling preferably to studying?
  21. Why shouldn’t there be exams?
  22. Why not add your parents to your social media accounts?

Society based Definition Essay Topics

  1. What does it mean to be a family?
  2. Is a society’s prosperity depends on its wealthy citizens?
  3. What impact has patriarchy had on women?
  4. What does it mean to empower women?
  5. Why should driving be gender-neutral?
  6. Parents’ most important obligations to their children
  7. What does masculine chauvinism entail?
  8. What is the best way to raise a responsible child?
  9. How does a parent’s separation influence their children?
  10. What are the disadvantages of solo parenting?
  11. Is religion a personal matter for anyone?
  12. What causes a society to become more interconnected?

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Science & Technology Definition Essay Topics

  1. AI stands for artificial intelligence.
  2. What is fifth-generation warfare, and how does it differ from previous generations?
  3. Time as a concept
  4. What is the best way to get money from social media?
  5. What role does the digital revolution play in achieving success?
  6. Clean energy projects are what they sound like
  7. What is the process of recycling?
  8. How can pollution be reduced?
  9. What is digital thievery?
  10. Suggestions for dealing with cyberbullying
  11. How has science aided humankind?
  12. Effects of technology on youth
  13. Computer vs human brain
  14. How has space become a new arena for global competition?
  15. Technology and its advantages and disadvantages
  16. Science and technology effects of the Covid-19 epidemic
  17. What is the definition of a vegetable?
  18. What is the definition of a fruit?
  19. Explain what “photosynthesis” means.
  20. What is the central processing unit (CPU)?
  21. How would you describe the digital data?
  22. Explain what the term “technology” means.
  23. Explain what the term “science” means.
  24. What does it mean to use “smart technology”?
  25. Explain what the term “ecology” means.
  26. What is a cryptocurrency and how does it work
  27. What is blockchain, and how does it work?
  28. Explain what pollution is.

Creativity Definition Essay Topics

  1. How can you get rid of your inertia?
  2. Methods to stay awake while learning
  3. What does it mean to lead a prosperous lifestyle?
  4. Why has progress not succeeded in eradicating poverty?
  5. Should there be a death penalty?
  6. The dark side of globalization
  7. Why do average students have more success in life?
  8. How can you tell the difference between pleasure and happiness?
  9. Is the idea of a best friend exaggerated?
  10. Is it true that there is love at first sight?
  11. Techniques for reducing anxiety
  12. Can risk-taking boost your self-confidence?
  13. What does a psychologically stable family look like?
  14. Is it true that religious people are more trustworthy?
  15. What does it mean to have a good job?

Historical-Political Definition Essay Topics

  1. The impact of a revolution
  2. What does it mean to be independent?
  3. Cultural heritage is very important.
  4. What led to the disintegration of the Mughal Empire?
  5. The psychological impact of war on soldiers
  6. How did nuclear weapons increase global insecurity?
  7. What are the characteristics of a charismatic leader?
  8. Define the term “revolution” in your own words.
  9. What exactly is the hippie craze?
  10. Define the term “monarchy” in your own words.
  11. Describe the Arab Spring in detail.
  12. Who are the untouchables, and what do they do?
  13. Define the impact of democracy.
  14. Describe how the capitalist system works.
  15. Define the term independence in relation to your country.
  16. Define the term “history” in your own words.
  17. Explain what “politics” means.
  18. What does it mean to be a “good politician”?
  19. Define a specific term from Machiavelli’s “Prince”.
  20. What impact did the Second World War have on family customs?
  21. What role did the First World War play in the empowerment of women?
  22. Why was Hitler the Man of the Year in 1938?
  23. The Vietnam War of 1975 vs the Afghanistan War of 2021

Culture-Based Definition Essay Topics

  1. What is the root of societal, cultural division?
  2. Define the term “secularization” in your own words.
  3. What exactly does “ritual” imply?
  4. What are your society’s traditional values?
  5. Define the term “civilization” in your own words.
  6. Describe the notion of taboo in different cultures.
  7. What exactly is culture shock?
  8. Define the term “global community.”

Friendship Definition Essay Topics

  1. A man’s reputation is determined by the company he keeps.
  2. Is it true that friendship takes time?
  3. Is it important to have trust in order to be friends with someone?
  4. Is it okay to have poor pals who can’t help you financially when you’re in need?
  5. Friend on social media vs. school friend
  6. A buddy who is friends with everyone is a friend with no one. Is this correct?
  7. Is it a myth or a reality to have best friends for life?
  8. Is it possible that friends are preferable to blood relatives?
  9. How long does it take you to put your faith in someone?
  10. Is it possible for a friendship to be plutonic?
  11. Is it possible to have just one friend?
  12. Is it possible for cousins to be friends?

Controversial Definition Essay Topics

  1. Is it really so important to be happy?
  2. Are vaccinations good or bad for our health?
  3. Video games are good for health.
  4. What exactly is nationalism, and why is it so harmful?
  5. Is e-learning more or less successful than traditional learning?
  6. Artificial intelligence: a new stage of evolution or a global threat?
  7. The pros and cons of spam
  8. What kinds of punishment are acceptable in a healthy family?
  9. Is romance a thing of the past these days?
  10. What are the pros of war?

Abstract Definition Essay Topics

  1. What exactly is boredom?
  2. The best medicine is laughter.
  3. What exactly is grief?
  4. Why are friendships so important in our lives?
  5. Define the term “adolescence.”
  6. Define the term charisma.

Business Definition Essay Topics

  1. Define the term “business” in your own words.
  2. What is the definition of marketing advertising?
  3. Define the term “economic depression” in your own words.
  4. What role does statistics play in business?
  5. Explain how e-commerce has improved.
  6. What is a reasonable wage for you?
  7. Define the term “startup” in the context of business.
  8. What is the definition of “management”?
  9. Define the term “marketing.”
  10. What is the definition of e-commerce?
  11. What does it take to be a successful entrepreneur?
  12. Explain the concept of economic liberty.
  13. The term “IT” has a long and illustrious history.
  14. What does the term “business ethics” imply?
  15. Describe how production and producers are related.

Easy Definition Essay Topics

  1. What does it mean to you to be a part of a family?
  2. Define the term “equal rights” in your own words.
  3. What makes a house feel like your home?
  4. Define the various types of “ugly” perceptions.
  5. What is the definition of modern art?
  6. Explain the pandemic’s distant schooling.
  7. Define the United States’ feminist movement.
  8. Define the term “aspiration.”
  9. Explain why the healthcare system in the United States is so important.
  10. For you, what does “daily routine” mean?
  11. What does it mean to be a good person?
  12. Explain the concept of terrorism.
  13. To you, what does marriage imply?

Interesting and General Definition Essay Topics

  1. What exactly does platonic love imply?
  2. Define poetry in your own words.
  3. Why is poetry regarded as one of the most admired art forms?
  4. What exactly is nature?
  5. Define the term “environment.”
  6. What does love look like in different cultures?
  7. Why is it beneficial to participate in sports?
  8. What’s the distinction between mental and physical well-being?
  9. What does it mean to eat healthily?
  10. Explain how the food we eat affects our health.
  11. What exactly is health, and why is it so crucial?
  12. What is the definition of deforestation?
  13. Define the term “endangered species” in your own words.
  14. Why do we enjoy music so much?
  15. Another means of communication is through music.
  16. Define the relationship between music and feelings.

To summarise all that we have outlined in this article, let’s briefly review the important principles for choosing an appropriate topic for an excellent standard definition essay:

  • The topic should be narrowed down
  • You should choose a topic that you are passionate about
  • It better be something you have done before or have concepts for
  • It is fundamental to thoroughly investigate the definition term, its origin, history or definition, etc.

Finding a topic for a definition essay is tedious. Yet writing it is even more demanding. It takes excellent skills, profound knowledge of the topic and a considerable amount of time to write a top-quality essay.
Also read: Technology essay topics & Geography essay topics

How to Structure Definition Essay?

Introduction, body and conclusion are the three fundamental stages of an outstanding definition essay. The author specifies the word with its literal meaning in the introduction. It helps the readers to comprehend the concept by furnishing a definition from the glossary.

Next, the author revises the essay’s format from broad to specific. He directs the reader’s attention to his interpretations of the concept, which is referred to as a thesis statement.

The Introduction

Statement of the thesis is a heart of an essay. You write it so that it reflects the essence of the essay. In the thesis statement, you should first describe the concept in your own words. Do not detail the concept, but only communicate your reflections on it. A meaningful thesis statement can be anywhere between four and five sentences.

The Main Body

In the essay’s body, explain the concept in more detail. To delineate it as articulately as possible, use all available means and tactics to describe it. The topic of the essay as a whole need to be understood from a range of perspectives, and its contextual meanings thoroughly addressed.

Use examples to build and support arguments. Create several paragraphs depending on the length of your essay for different explanations of the topic.

The Conclusion

Start the conclusion of your essay by summarising all the important topics of the essay. You can end with a personal experience that supports your understanding of the topic or add your opinion on the topic at the end. The ending should be strong.

Tips & Tricks to Write Definition Essay

  1. Pick a topic that interests you. Your topic is the most important aspect of producing a fascinating definition essay. Make use of buzzwords and popular phrases.
  2. Investigate the topic you’ve chosen. Be well-versed in its history and how it’s applied in diverse situations. This will make it easier to describe your subject in the body paragraphs.
  3. To write a definition essay, you must first analyze the phrase. You must break down the word into components to analyze it.
  4. Provide examples to back up your definitions of the phrase. You can use examples from your daily life when writing politeness.
  5. Use terms that are basic and easy but meaningful.
  6. Reread the essay before submitting it to catch any errors.
  7. Make sure that the structure and references are correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

A definition essay is a type of academic writing that explains the meaning of a particular term or concept, providing a clear and concise definition within the given word limit.

About Peter Cohen

Avatar for Peter CohenPeter Cohen has a bachelor's and a master's degree from The University of Edinburgh. He is an expert at writing flawless essays and dissertations. He has been with Essays UK since 2010 and has helped many students reach the pinnacle of glory.

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