theme

9 definitions • 6 examples

the main subject of a talk, book, film, etc.:

The theme of loss runs through most of his novels.

a song or tune that is played several times in a film, etc. and represents a character, situation, etc.:

a theme song/tune

a short, simple tune on which a piece of music is based

a musical form in which a theme is played and then repeated several times with small changes:

theme and variations for violin and piano

to design something according to a particular theme (= subject), or to relate it to a particular place or time:

The attraction had been themed as a haunted mansion.

theme something up You can theme a party up however you want.

the topic of discussion or writing:

The theme of the conference was the changing role of women in modern society.

A theme is also the main idea of a work of literature or art.

a short, simple tune on which a piece of music is based

Theme and variation is a musical form in which a theme is played and then repeated several times with small changes in interesting ways.