170 Best Definition Essay Topics to Get an A+

While selecting themes for a definition essay, you shouldn't take any shortcuts. You can't just concentrate on one aspect of the term. The prompt should have more than one word and require the author to consider the chosen term or sentence from various angles.

Never choose a dry topic for your definition essay! Read this post to decide what to discuss in the paper to define something. You will find various subjects to discuss in a paper of this type. If you have any doubts about your written assignment's quality, feel free to use our pro essay writing service.

What Is a Definition Essay

Before we move on directly to some good definition essay topics developed by experts, we should recall the main idea of this type of academic assignment.

This academic essay shows up as a multilateral English dictionary entry with both the official meaning of the word and the writer's interpretation with examples.

No matter which definition essay topic the writer chooses, the final paper should not exceed one page long. 250-500 words are more than enough for such an assignment.

Even though official dictionaries only provide brief definitions of the words, a student's objective is to broaden the word's meaning by including other potential concepts from the examined materials. A writer can use examples to support their interpretations.

A word may have several meanings, e.g., literary or real-life interpretation.

It is up to the student to choose the angle to observe the selected term, but it is necessary to include official definitions in the opening paragraphs.

How To Choose Definition Essay Topic

Picking the right words for your paper might be challenging.

Remember:

• Having a term with a single meaning will not allow you to demonstrate your writing abilities & knowledge of the subject;
• Offer terms that can be disputed depending on the context;
• Come up with a list of definition essay words in case your tutor does not assign specific subjects to discuss in your assignments;
• Think about words with multiple meanings.

Now you know the basics, it is time to explore the definition essay topics list.

170 Definition Essay Topics to Impress

It is time to observe the list of the top topics for a definition essay. Our team developed it based on the most successful papers of this type ever submitted at the college level and some hot trends. These topics should inspire every student! We divided them into separate categories to make it easier.

Definition Essay on Love

Definition essay examples love related are the most popular subject when defining terms in academic papers.

1. Versatile Feeling of Love
2. Love vs. Hatred
3. Is there any universal definition of love?
4. The connection between love and other emotions
5. The most powerful feeling in the world
6. Parental love
7. The romance between a man & woman
8. Devotion to pets
9. The correlation between love and passion
10. The consequences of insane love

Happiness Definition Essay

Some good topics for a definition essay concern happiness, as this word has many interpretations.

1. Defining happiness based on personal experience
2. The non-importance of money
3. Happiness that comes from outside and within
4. Does money matter?
5. How can happiness be achieved?
6. The role of happiness in the life of an average human
7. Unrealistic expectations
8. Features of a happy family
9. Helping people to achieve happiness
10. The pursuit of happiness

Family Definition Essay

In a family definition essay, you can define some family values, its members, or other related things. Make it sound personal to achieve the expected result!

1. Perfect family
2. Family, in my eyes
3. The 21st-century family
4. Child marriage
5. Early parenting
6. Families with a single child
7. The impact of family on education & career choice
8. An aspect of the family in the film 'Adam's Family.'
9. The role of television in family communication
10. Family values today

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Freedom Definition EssayDefinition Argument Essay Topics

Students should try to pick a debatable term in definition argument essay topics. Here are some of the best ideas!

1. The definition of 'healthy eating and its impact on overall well-being
2. The definition of 'success' and how it varies from person to person
3. The definition of 'cultural appropriation and whether or not it is harmful
4. The definition of 'social media addiction' and its effects on mental health
5. The definition of 'fake news and its impact on society
6. The definition of 'privacy' in the digital age and how it is being challenged
7. The definition of 'gun control' and its effectiveness in reducing gun violence
8. The definition of 'gender identity and its acceptance in society
9. The definition of 'hate speech and its limits on free speech
10. The definition of 'climate change' and the need for urgent action to address it.

Easy Definition Essay Topics

If you need simple or easy-definition essay topics, check them out!

1. Various interpretations of being ugly
2. The features of a hero based on Pride and Prejudice characters
3. Describing success in the example of the 'Queen' story
4. Living in poverty from different angles
5. Traits that every college professor should possess
6. The feminist movement in the United States
7. Campus vs. home conditions
8. The role of a university degree in the life of a modern person
9. Contemporary art
10. Onomatopoeia, assonance, & alliteration

Extended Definition Essay Topics

In the extended definition essay topics, discuss words with broad meaning only. Avoid terms with a single interpretation.

1. Measures of punishment parents take to keep a healthy family
2. Primary symptoms of the healthy weight
3. Differences & similarities between self-assurance, self-development, & self-management
4. Traits that make a person generous
5. Things that prove the FBI violates the rights of the US citizens
6. Bad coaches & the negative consequences of their training
7. The meaning and usage of the term frenemy
8. Several factors identify a person as a selfish one
9. Methods to cope with laziness and its implications
10. Detecting the traits of protagonists based on the movies of Marvel

Definition Essay Topics for College

Observe your bonus definition essay topics for college students:

1. The definition of 'critical thinking' and its importance in college education
2. The definition of 'academic success' and how it can be achieved
3. The definition of 'campus culture' and its impact on student life
4. The definition of 'sustainability' and its importance in higher education
5. The definition of 'diversity' and its role in promoting inclusivity on campus
6. The definition of 'leadership' and its significance in college and beyond
7. The definition of 'teamwork' and its role in group projects and activities
8. The definition of 'academic integrity' and its importance in maintaining ethical standards
9. The definition of 'time management' and its relevance to college success
10. The definition of 'career readiness' and the skills needed to succeed in the workforce after graduation.

Definition Essay Ideas for Business

Economics, business, & e-commerce have plenty of interesting terms to explain. Some of the best ideas include:

1. The definition of 'entrepreneurship' and its characteristics
2. The definition of 'innovation' and its role in business success
3. The definition of 'customer service' and its importance in building brand loyalty
4. The definition of 'marketing' and its strategies for promoting products and services
5. The definition of 'corporate social responsibility' and its impact on a company's reputation
6. The definition of 'team building' and its importance in fostering a positive work environment
7. The definition of 'financial management' and its strategies for effective budgeting and investment
8. The definition of 'strategic planning' and its role in achieving long-term business goals
9. The definition of 'supply chain management' and its strategies for efficient distribution of goods and services
10. The definition of 'leadership' and its skills for effectively managing a team or organization.

Definition Essay Ideas for Science & IT

Grab some bonus definition topics related to information technologies & science. They might be useful if you like to discuss innovations and forecasts for the future!

1. The programming language of tomorrow
2. World Wide Web/Internet
3. Operating systems (Mac, Windows, etc.)
4. Different types of telecommunication
5. Smartphones vs. outdated mobile/cellular phones
6. Pros & cons of e-learning
7. Computer data & information
8. Artificial intelligence
9. Automated home systems
10. Emailing and how it works

Additional Definition Essay Topics: Broad Terms

Here are additional definition essay topics for college.

1. Happiness: What does it mean to be truly happy?
2. Love: How can one define love in different ways?
3. Success: What does success mean, and how is it achieved?
4. Freedom: What does freedom mean, and how important is it?
5. Honesty: What does honesty mean, and why is it important?
6. Courage: What does courage mean, and how is it demonstrated?
7. Patriotism: What does patriotism mean, and how is it expressed?
8. Trust: What does trust mean, and why is it important in relationships?
9. Beauty: What is beauty, and how is it perceived?
10. Justice: What does justice mean, and how is it served?
11. Responsibility: What does responsibility mean, and how is it demonstrated?
12. Empathy: What does empathy mean, and why is it important?
13. Ambition: What does ambition mean, and how is it achieved?
14. Leadership: What does leadership mean, and how is it demonstrated?
15. Creativity: What does creativity mean, and how is it expressed?
16. Respect: What does respect mean, and why is it important?
17. Equality: What does equality mean, and how is it achieved?
18. Forgiveness: What does forgiveness mean, and why is it important?
19. Integrity: What does integrity mean, and why is it important?
20. Determination: What does determination mean, and how is it demonstrated?
21. Perseverance: What does perseverance mean, and how is it demonstrated?
22. Authenticity: What does authenticity mean, and why is it important?
23. Self-discipline: What does self-discipline mean, and how is it demonstrated?
24. Faith: What does faith mean, and how is it practiced?
25. Gratitude: What does gratitude mean, and how is it expressed?
26. Patience: What does patience mean, and how is it demonstrated?
27. Humility: What does humility mean, and why is it important?
28. Altruism: What does altruism mean, and why is it important?
29. Empowerment: What does empowerment mean, and how is it achieved?
30. Wisdom: What does wisdom mean, and how is it acquired?
31. Confidence: What does confidence mean, and how is it demonstrated?
32. Self-love: What does self-love mean, and why is it important?
33. Self-awareness: What does self-awareness mean, and why is it important?
34. Self-improvement: What does self-improvement mean, and how is it achieved?
35. Communication: What does effective communication mean, and how is it achieved?
36. Cooperation: What does cooperation mean, and why is it important?
37. Diversity: What does diversity mean, and how is it celebrated?
38. Empathy: What does empathy mean, and why is it important?
39. Environmentalism: What does environmentalism mean, and how is it practiced?
40. Equality: What does equality mean, and how is it achieved?
41. Ethics: What does ethics mean, and why is it important?
42. Fairness: What does fairness mean, and why is it important?
43. Family: What does family mean, and how is it defined?
44. Freedom of speech: What does freedom mean, and why is it important?
45. Friendship: What does friendship mean, and how is it defined?
46. Globalization: What does globalization mean, and how is it affecting the world?
47. Health: What does health mean, and how is it achieved?
48. Human rights: What do they mean, and why are they important?
49. Identity: What does identity mean, and how is it shaped?
50. Immigration: What does immigration mean, and how is it affecting society?

Funny Definition Essay Topics

Here are some funny and creative definition essay topics.

1. The art of procrastination: How to delay everything until the last minute
2. The difference between being lazy and being efficient
3. The definition of a 'perfect' morning: Hitting snooze ten times and still making it to work on time
4. The true meaning of 'adulting': Surviving on caffeine and takeout food
5. The definition of a 'healthy' diet: Eating pizza with a side of kale
6. The art of multitasking: How to watch Netflix and get work done at the same time
7. The true definition of 'cleaning': Shoving everything into a closet and calling it organized
8. The definition of 'homebody': Someone who cancels plans to binge-watch their favorite TV show
9. The meaning of 'happy hour': A time to forget your problems and drink until they go away
10. The definition of 'fashion-forward': Wearing pajamas to work and calling it 'loungewear.'
11. The true meaning of 'time management': Spending hours scrolling through social media before starting your work
12. The definition of 'cooking': Burning everything and calling it 'charred for flavor.'
13. The true definition of 'cleaning out your closet': Trying on clothes you haven't worn in years and keeping them anyways
14. The definition of 'getting fit': Going to the gym once a month and calling it progress
15. The meaning of 'networking': Pretending to care about people you don't know for the sake of your career
16. The definition of 'budgeting': Spending all your money on food and calling it a necessary expense
17. The true meaning of 'doing laundry': Wearing the same outfit for a week straight and calling it 'low maintenance.'
18. The definition of 'being productive': Spending hours making a to-do list and never actually doing anything on it
19. The meaning of 'self-care': Eating an entire pint of ice cream and calling it 'treating yourself.'
20. The true definition of 'cleaning up': Moving clutter from one room to another and calling it 'rearranging.'

Structure of a Definition Essay

Your final definition essay structure may remind something like this:

• An official definition copy-pasted or paraphrased from the dictionary;
• Writer's personal understanding of the word;
• An example of usage in literature or real life;
• Supporting evidence;
• Conclusion.

If you use any extra sources, list them in references. To avoid plagiarism, the writer has to paraphrase the dictionary entries.

The primary thing to consider is how to write a definition essay introduction - a lot depends on the 1st impression you leave on the reader.

In the opening paragraph, a writer can start with the bang by offering an exciting fact, rhetorical question, literary quote, or anything related to the chosen terms. Explain the role of the chosen word in the language. Finish the introduction by mentioning that you will look at all possible interpretations and uses of the term further in the text.

In the body paragraphs, offer examples from real-life experience or external sources to show different usages of the analyzed term(s).

In your conclusion, you may start with the word's meaning from the source you have not used before. The last sentence of the conclusion should sum up all the possible interpretations of the chosen word.

Transition Words for Definition Essay

You may wonder how to make the text flow logically. Do not forget to add transition words for the definition essay to show how paragraphs are related.

The introduction is the only section that does not require one. Start and finish the rest of the paragraphs with some transition words. Mind different groups of such bridges you build between various paragraphs to select the proper words to make the reader follow your main idea.

This infographic below will make it clear!

How to Write a Definition Essay: Tricks That Work!

While choosing topics for definition essay, you should remember some expert tips to succeed with your further writing. From time to time, turn to the examples to learn more!

We provide dissertation writing services and offer many examples of definition essay topics and other papers available for free! Ask us to 'write a paper for me,' and we will help quickly.

• Pick the term - If you wish to come up with hefty definition essays worth A+, avoid discussing words like nouns or verbs like 'swimming' or 'necklace.' It is better to focus on analyzing some processes.
• Add your own thoughts - Except for the official dictionary definitions, you must include personal interpretations of the analyzed words. Do not bend over - do not get too subjective while explaining the term using your own words!
• Provide real-life examples - The best way to make the audience understand what you have on your mind is by inserting some examples to show how the word was used in the real-world context.
• Focus on multiple definitions - It is better to offer terms that have numerous meanings (for example, beauty, fight, freedom, rock, etc.)
• Exclude universal words - In your paper, you should not discuss words like 'hi,' 'café,' or 'telephone.'
• Do not underestimate the role of research - Even though it is not a research paper, conduct a study to find all possible meanings of the term and its origins and usage to make your paper more interesting!

The best way to understand how it works is to look at the free example of a definition essay from our service posted below.

Definition Essay Example

Here's one of the extended definition essay examples pdf on 'Leadership.'

The ability to communicate effectively is one of a successful leader's most criticalqualities. Leaders need to express their vision and objectives to their team clearly and effectively.This calls for the capacity to communicate ideas and pay close attention to criticism andsuggestions from others.

Final Thoughts

If our post helped you acquire some understanding, we also strongly advise you to read the movie review essay and the narrative essay topics. They will broaden your knowledge and improve your academic essay writing skills.

Having difficult times choosing proper definition essay words? The team of our essay writers knows how to help — it is enough to place an order for a custom essay and get our best argumentative essay writer to work on your assignment.

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