Best Definition Essay Topics Guide for an A+ Grade

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.

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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

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

Definition Essay Topics for College

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

Technology Topics for Definition Essay

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

Happiness Definition Paper Ideas

1. Happiness: A State of Mind or Circumstance?
2. The Role of "Gratitude" in Achieving Happiness
3. Contentment vs. Happiness
4. The Impact of "Altruism" on Personal Happiness
5. Mindfulness: A Path to Happiness?
6. The Pursuit of Happiness in Different Cultures
7. Success and Its Relation to Happiness
8. Social Connections: Their Importance in Feeling Happy
9. The Science Behind "Happiness"
10. Self-Acceptance and Its Role in Happiness
11. Work-Life Balance and Its Effect on Happiness
12. Financial Security vs. Wealth: What Brings Happiness?
13. The Influence of "Physical Health" on Happiness
14. Personal Growth and Its Contribution to Happiness
15. Simplicity as a Key to Happiness
16. The Role of "Nature" in Enhancing Happiness
17. Creativity and Its Impact on Happiness
18. Spirituality and Happiness: Exploring the Connection
19. Freedom of Choice and Its Importance to Happiness
20. Generosity: Does Giving Lead to Happiness?

'Freedom' as a Topic

1. The Many Facets of "Freedom" in Society
2. Freedom of Speech: Rights and Responsibilities
3. Economic Freedom and Its Impact on Societies
4. The Role of "Freedom of the Press" in Democracy
5. Religious Freedom: A Fundamental Human Right
6. Freedom of Expression in Art and Culture
7. The Concept of "Personal Freedom"
8. Political Freedom: The Foundation of Democratic Societies
9. Freedom from Want: Addressing Basic Human Needs
10. Academic Freedom and Its Importance in Education
11. Freedom of Movement: A Global Perspective
12. Digital Freedom: Privacy and Expression Online
13. Freedom from Fear: Security and Human Rights
14. The Balance Between "Freedom" and "Equality"
15. Intellectual Freedom and Its Role in Innovation
16. Freedom of Association: Building Communities and Networks
17. Financial Freedom: More Than Just Wealth
18. Freedom to Choose: Decision-Making and Autonomy
19. The Historical Struggle for "Freedom"
20. Freedom in the Age of Globalization

Extended Definition Essay Topics

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

Great Topics on 'Family'

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

Social Topics for a Definition Essay

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

What is Love - Eternal Topic

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

History Definition Essay Topics List

1. Revolution: Catalysts and Consequences
2. Empire: Rise, Dominion, and Decline
3. Renaissance: A Rebirth of Culture and Knowledge
4. Nationalism: Its Impact on World History
5. Colonialism: Legacy and Liberation
6. Industrial Revolution: Transforming Societies and Economies
7. Cold War: Ideologies and Interventions
8. Democracy: Evolution of Governance
9. Treaties: Shaping Borders and Relations
10. Exploration: Discoveries and Encounters
11. Inventions: Milestones in Human Progress
12. Civil Rights: Struggles and Achievements
13. Feudalism: Social Hierarchy and Land Ownership
14. Genocide: Understanding and Preventing Atrocities
15. Migration: Movements and Motivations
16. Enlightenment: Reason and Reform
17. Reformation: Religious Conflict and Change
18. Totalitarianism: Control and Resistance
19. Independence: Nations Forging Their Own Paths
20. Cultural Revolution: Upheaval and Transformation

Definition Essay Ideas for Business

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

Sports Definition Essay Topics

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

'Science' Topics on Any Taste

1. Scientific Method: The Foundation of Discovery and Innovation
2. Climate Change: Understanding Global Environmental Shifts
3. Genetics: The Blueprint of Life and Heredity
4. Artificial Intelligence: Redefining Human and Machine Interaction
5. Quantum Physics: Exploring the Subatomic World
6. Sustainability: Science in Service of the Environment
7. Biotechnology: Manipulating Biological Systems for Human Benefit
8. Astronomy: The Study of Celestial Objects and Phenomena
9. Neuroscience: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Brain
10. Evolution: The Process of Change in the Natural World
11. Renewable Energy: Sustainable Power Sources for the Future
12. Vaccination: Science's Answer to Infectious Diseases
13. Nanotechnology: Engineering on an Atomic Scale
14. Ecology: The Interconnectedness of Life and Environment
15. Robotics: The Creation and Application of Robots
16. Conservation Biology: Protecting Biodiversity for Future Generations
17. Geology: The Science of the Earth's Physical Structure
18. Meteorology: Predicting Weather and Understanding Climate
19. Chemistry: The Study of Matter and Its Transformations
20. 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!