Your English professor told you last week that she was going to assign the class a very special type of essay the following week. So, you’ve been a little anxious all week, wondering what type of essay she’ll assign, hoping that it won’t be too difficult. As you sat in class and she finally announced to everyone that your assignment is to write a definition essay due in one week, you breathed a sigh of relief. “This should be easy enough,” you thought to yourself.
But is that true?
You may think that a definition essay is the easiest of all the different types of essays, but all essay writers should know there are some fundamental things to consider that could transform your decent definition essay into a first-class essay. Keep reading to learn what a definition essay is, how to write a definition essay and a look at 230 definition essays arranged by category to help you in the brainstorming process.
What Is a Definition Essay?
At first glance, writing a definition essay should be easy, right? And in its most basic essence a definition is pretty simple – you are tasked with defining a word or phrase. But as I mentioned above, there’s a difference between writing a passable definition essay and writing a high-quality one that your teacher or professor will remember and get you that coveted “A” grade.
Typically, you’ll want to go beyond the simplest of definitions and look at your term from multiple angles. Think about how the term can mean different things to different people and how it can be interpreted differently. In other words, think beyond the one-sentence definition a dictionary gives for your term and instead think of how the term affects people in different ways.
Let’s look at a quick example for clarification.
Some of the best definition essays use terms that are more abstract because they can be interpreted in different ways by many different people. So, let’s look at the word “freedom.” Freedom appears to be a pretty straightforward term that most people view in terms of politics, such as free speech, free assembly, etc. But let’s take a deeper dive into this term!
Most people view freedom as the absence of someone or something, usually a government, having the ability to limit what you can say or do. In this context, the term applies to something that you are free to do. If you look at it from another perspective, though, the term also applies to something or things you are free from. It can mean freedom from government interference or oppression in this context.
With that said, it would still be fine to define freedom along the standard, more popular political lines. Remember, though, freedom means different things to different people, even in a political context. For some people, freedom means the right to have an abortion, while for others, it means the right to say whatever you want, even if others are offended by it. Whatever you do, don’t limit yourself when you write a definition essay – try to think of as many definitions of your term as possible, even if you don’t use all of them in your essay.
Choosing Your Definition Essay Topic
If your teacher or professor allows you to choose your own topic for your definition essay, then you’ll have to do some brainstorming. If you’re thinking to yourself, “What should I write my college essay about?” Don’t worry, just keep reading!
First, set some time aside for this, as it’s as important as any other step in the essay-writing process. Next, think about some terms that are important to you and the world. Remember, the deeper and more complex you can define a term from different perspectives, the better. Once you’ve chosen a word or phrase, you start doing your research.
It’s important for your research to go beyond a simple dictionary definition of your word or phrase. Research the history of the word and how different groups of people have interpreted it in different contexts throughout time. Just don’t limit yourself.
If you’re having a difficult time in the brainstorming process, don’t worry! Keep reading for 230 definition essay topics arranged by category. There’s probably a topic on the list you can use, and even if there isn’t, they will surely stimulate your brainstorming.
Definition Essay Topics for High School Students
- Define academic success
- What is “school choice”?
- What is self-confidence and why is it important?
- Define “proper communication”
- Define “time management”
- What is “open enrollment”?
- What is social studies?
- Define “extra-curricular activities”
- Define art
- What is friendship?
Definition Essay Topics for College Students
- What is binge drinking?
- Define STEM
- Define “dating”
- What is a polyglot?
- What is a lingua franca?
- Define “carpool”
- What is a “public” university?
- What is a “land-grant” university?
- Define liberal arts
- What are intramural sports?
Easy Definition Essay Topics
- Define power
- Define wealth
- Define family
- What is honesty?
- What is “middle age”?
- Define beauty
- Define ugliness
- What is government?
- Define evil
- What is motivation?
Good Definition Essay Topics
- How do you define “good health”?
- Define God
- What does “responsibility” mean to you?
- Define cleanliness
- Define charity
- Define what a “good person” is
- Define kindness
- What is generosity?
- What does the term “order” mean to you?
- What is loyalty?
Extended Definition Essay Topics
- How can the word “justice” be used in different contexts?
- Define how “peace” means different things to different people
- What is patriotism and how has it changed over time?
- Define some different interpretations of “war”
- What is “exceptionalism”?
- Define the term “civil rights”
- What are some different definitions of “depression”?
- What is “disinformation”?
- Define the term “global citizen” and if it applies to you
- Define “identity” and its different meanings
Abstract Concepts Definition Essay Topics
- Define the term “arbitrary”
- Define despair
- What is the afterlife?
- Define freedom
- What does “civilization” mean?
- What is ingenuity?
- Define ambition
- What are values?
- How do you define “nourishment”?
- What is indolence?
Definition Essay Topics on Social Issues
- Define inequality
- Define equity
- What is racism?
- What is free speech?
- How do you define “sexuality”?
- Define the importance of abortion
- What is recidivism?
- Define “law enforcement”
- What is “social class”?
- Define “social justice”
Definition Essay Topics on Personal Qualities
- Define “tenacity” as a personality trait
- What is empathy?
- Why is physical strength a good quality?
- Define patience
- How does personal grooming help define you?
- Why is open-mindedness a good quality?
- Define “mental acuity” and why it’s important
- Why is knowledge an important part of a complete personality?
- Define foresight
- What is conscientiousness?
Definition Essay Topics on Emotions and Feelings
- What does “caring” mean to you?
- Define “emotional intelligence”
- Define joy and how it differs from similar emotions
- Define anger
- How can “mental illness” be defined differently?
- Define post-traumatic stress
- What is stress?
- Define non-physical pain
- What are endorphins?
- Describe how you feel naturally “high”
Definition Essay Topics on Cultural Concepts
- Define cultural diversity
- What is “cultural appropriation”?
- Define the term “corporate culture”
- What is a cultural Christian?
- What is a “first language”?
- Define “cultural sensitivity”
- What is a cultural taboo?
- What is a cultural norm?
- Define the term “cultural shift”
- What is the meme culture?
Definition Essay Topics on Relationships
- Define polygamy
- What is the ideal family?
- How do you define a good relationship?
- What is a “platonic relationship”?
- Define monogamy
- What is a “true friend”?
- Define romanticism
- What is a “transactional relationship”?
- What is an “open relationship”?
- How is trust an important part of your relationships?
Definition Essay Topics on Society and Community
- What does the term “social contract” mean?
- Define the subject of civics
- What is your definition of community?
- Define modern society
- How does the word “share” apply to your community?
- Define the term “communal”
- Define socialism
- What is volunteerism?
- What is poverty and how is it relative?
- Define tradition
Philosophical Definition Essay Topics
- Define “political philosophy”
- What is theology?
- What is wisdom and why is it important?
- Define metaphysics
- How do you define the “meaning of life”?
- Define stoicism
- What is the “mind’s eye”?
- What does the term “mind over matter” mean to you?
- Define insight
- What is logic?
Scientific Definition Essay Topics
- Define evolution
- Define mathematics
- What is the science of gender?
- What is spawning?
- Define “fossil fuels”?
- What is the “Big Bang”?
- What are the different meanings of the term “universe”?
- Define “extraterrestrial”
- What are tectonic plates?
- Define alchemy
Political Definition Essay Topics
- Define republicanism (small “r”)
- What is communism?
- Define “political correctness”
- What is a “third party” in the American political system?
- Define fascism
- Define democracy
- What is a prime minister?
- What is a constitutional monarchy?
- What is a “presidential system” of government?
- Define “political patronage”
Ethical Definition Essay Topics
- Define morality
- What does the word “character” mean to you?
- Define “work ethic”
- What is an “ethical dilemma”?
- What are business ethics?
- Define “free will”
- What is “moral relativism”?
- Define bioethics
- What does “being virtuous” mean?
- What does it mean when something is “bad”?
Historical Definition Essay Topics
- Define historiography
- Define the term “epoch”
- What was the Bronze Age?
- Define the difference between BC-AD and BCE-CE?
- What was the Reformation?
- Define “cyclical history”
- What does “historicity” mean?
- What is archaeology?
- Define what a civil war is
- Define the profession of a historian
Definition Essay Topics on Technology
- Define cryptocurrency
- What is artificial intelligence
- How do you define the “Information Age”?
- What is the “Internet of Things”?
- What are hybrid vehicles?
- Define virtual reality technology
- What is data mining?
- Describe quantum physics
- What is a combustible engine?
- Define what a software developer is
Business and Economics Definition Essay Topics
- Define currency
- Define what an economist is
- What is a monopoly?
- What are “business cycles”?
- Define capitalism
- What are commodities?
- What does “division of labor” mean?
- Define the term “supply chain”
- What is a stock market?
- What is a “hostile takeover” in business?
Health and Wellness Definition Essay Topics
- Define “good” health
- What is bodybuilding?
- What is mental health?
- Define dieting
- What are processed foods?
- Define cardiovascular fitness
- Define meditation and its health benefits
- What is kinesiology?
- Define calisthenics
- What is a Paleo diet?
Definition Argument Essay Topics
- Define and contrast merit versus equality
- Is “misinformation” just different opinions?
- What is domestic abuse and how can it be ended?
- What is “climate change” and is it real or not?
- Define what speed limits are and if they are needed
- Define war and if it can be stopped
- What is gene modification and should we do it or not?
- Define what patriarchy is and if it should exist
- What is “homeschooling,” and do you favor it or not?
- Define “creativity” and “logic” and argue which one is better
Creative Definition Essay Topics
- Define the term “creative juices”
- What is a loner?
- How do you define an “epic fail”?
- What is the true fountain of youth?
- Define creativity
- What is a “superhero” and do they really exist?
- What is time travel and is it a possibility?
- Define what a clairvoyant is
- Define chaos
- What is a “lost soul”?
Controversial Definition Essay Topics
- Define Apartheid
- What is genocide?
- How do you define “discrimination” and is it ever justified?
- Define the term “illegal alien” and if you think it’s accurate
- What is a soul and does everyone have one?
- What is sexism and can it go both ways?
- Define ageism
- What are “disabilities” and should the term even be used?
- Define cheating and if there are degrees of it
- What is a “white lie”?
Define Your Success!
Writing a definition essay doesn’t have to be a daunting task. If you follow the tips in this blog and choose an engaging, in-depth topic, then you should be well on the road to success. Just remember that a word is much more than the simplest definition and that people can define a word differently based on their unique perspectives as well as changing attitudes throughout time.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember when writing an essay is to relax and enjoy yourself. You may be surprised at how much fun writing can actually be!
