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Definition of thesis

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In high school, college, or graduate school, students often have to write a thesis on a topic in their major field of study. In many fields, a final thesis is the biggest challenge involved in getting a master's degree, and the same is true for students studying for a Ph.D. (a Ph.D. thesis is often called a dissertation ). But a thesis may also be an idea; so in the course of the paper the student may put forth several theses (notice the plural form) and attempt to prove them.

Examples of thesis in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thesis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

in sense 3, Middle English, lowering of the voice, from Late Latin & Greek; Late Latin, from Greek, downbeat, more important part of a foot, literally, act of laying down; in other senses, Latin, from Greek, literally, act of laying down, from tithenai to put, lay down — more at do

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3a(1)

Dictionary Entries Near thesis

the sins of the fathers are visited upon the children

thesis novel

Cite this Entry

“Thesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thesis. Accessed 21 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of thesis, more from merriam-webster on thesis.

Nglish: Translation of thesis for Spanish Speakers

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thesis

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• Literary Terms
• Definition & Examples
• When & How to Write a Thesis

I. What is a Thesis?

The thesis (pronounced thee -seez), also known as a thesis statement, is the sentence that introduces the main argument or point of view of a composition (formal essay, nonfiction piece, or narrative). It is the main claim that the author is making about that topic and serves to summarize and introduce that writing that will be discussed throughout the entire piece. For this reason, the thesis is typically found within the first introduction paragraph.

II. Examples of Theses

Here are a few examples of theses which may be found in the introductions of a variety of essays :

In “The Mending Wall,” Robert Frost uses imagery, metaphor, and dialogue to argue against the use of fences between neighbors.

In this example, the thesis introduces the main subject (Frost’s poem “The Mending Wall”), aspects of the subject which will be examined (imagery, metaphor, and dialogue) and the writer’s argument (fences should not be used).

While Facebook connects some, overall, the social networking site is negative in that it isolates users, causes jealousy, and becomes an addiction.

This thesis introduces an argumentative essay which argues against the use of Facebook due to three of its negative effects.

During the college application process, I discovered my willingness to work hard to achieve my dreams and just what those dreams were.

In this more personal example, the thesis statement introduces a narrative essay which will focus on personal development in realizing one’s goals and how to achieve them.

III. The Importance of Using a Thesis

Theses are absolutely necessary components in essays because they introduce what an essay will be about. Without a thesis, the essay lacks clear organization and direction. Theses allow writers to organize their ideas by clearly stating them, and they allow readers to be aware from the beginning of a composition’s subject, argument, and course. Thesis statements must precisely express an argument within the introductory paragraph of the piece in order to guide the reader from the very beginning.

IV. Examples of Theses in Literature

For examples of theses in literature, consider these thesis statements from essays about topics in literature:

In William Shakespeare’s “ Sonnet 46,” both physicality and emotion together form powerful romantic love.

This thesis statement clearly states the work and its author as well as the main argument: physicality and emotion create romantic love.

In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne symbolically shows Hester Prynne’s developing identity through the use of the letter A: she moves from adulteress to able community member to angel.

In this example, the work and author are introduced as well as the main argument and supporting points: Prynne’s identity is shown through the letter A in three ways: adulteress, able community member, and angel.

John Keats’ poem “To Autumn” utilizes rhythm, rhyme, and imagery to examine autumn’s simultaneous birth and decay.

This thesis statement introduces the poem and its author along with an argument about the nature of autumn. This argument will be supported by an examination of rhythm, rhyme, and imagery.

V. Examples of Theses in Pop Culture

Sometimes, pop culture attempts to make arguments similar to those of research papers and essays. Here are a few examples of theses in pop culture:

America’s food industry is making a killing and it’s making us sick, but you have the power to turn the tables.

The documentary Food Inc. examines this thesis with evidence throughout the film including video evidence, interviews with experts, and scientific research.

Orca whales should not be kept in captivity, as it is psychologically traumatizing and has caused them to kill their own trainers.

Blackfish uses footage, interviews, and history to argue for the thesis that orca whales should not be held in captivity.

VI. Related Terms

Just as a thesis is introduced in the beginning of a composition, the hypothesis is considered a starting point as well. Whereas a thesis introduces the main point of an essay, the hypothesis introduces a proposed explanation which is being investigated through scientific or mathematical research. Thesis statements present arguments based on evidence which is presented throughout the paper, whereas hypotheses are being tested by scientists and mathematicians who may disprove or prove them through experimentation. Here is an example of a hypothesis versus a thesis:

Hypothesis:

Students skip school more often as summer vacation approaches.

This hypothesis could be tested by examining attendance records and interviewing students. It may or may not be true.

Students skip school due to sickness, boredom with classes, and the urge to rebel.

This thesis presents an argument which will be examined and supported in the paper with detailed evidence and research.

Introduction

A paper’s introduction is its first paragraph which is used to introduce the paper’s main aim and points used to support that aim throughout the paper. The thesis statement is the most important part of the introduction which states all of this information in one concise statement. Typically, introduction paragraphs require a thesis statement which ties together the entire introduction and introduces the rest of the paper.

VII. Conclusion

Theses are necessary components of well-organized and convincing essays, nonfiction pieces, narratives , and documentaries. They allow writers to organize and support arguments to be developed throughout a composition, and they allow readers to understand from the beginning what the aim of the composition is.

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While Sandel argues that pursuing perfection through genetic engineering would decrease our sense of humility, he claims that the sense of solidarity we would lose is also important.

This thesis summarizes several points in Sandel’s argument, but it does not make a claim about how we should understand his argument. A reader who read Sandel’s argument would not also need to read an essay based on this descriptive thesis.  

Broad thesis (arguable, but difficult to support with evidence) 

Michael Sandel’s arguments about genetic engineering do not take into consideration all the relevant issues.

This is an arguable claim because it would be possible to argue against it by saying that Michael Sandel’s arguments do take all of the relevant issues into consideration. But the claim is too broad. Because the thesis does not specify which “issues” it is focused on—or why it matters if they are considered—readers won’t know what the rest of the essay will argue, and the writer won’t know what to focus on. If there is a particular issue that Sandel does not address, then a more specific version of the thesis would include that issue—hand an explanation of why it is important.  

Arguable thesis with analytical claim 

While Sandel argues persuasively that our instinct to “remake” (54) ourselves into something ever more perfect is a problem, his belief that we can always draw a line between what is medically necessary and what makes us simply “better than well” (51) is less convincing.

This is an arguable analytical claim. To argue for this claim, the essay writer will need to show how evidence from the article itself points to this interpretation. It’s also a reasonable scope for a thesis because it can be supported with evidence available in the text and is neither too broad nor too narrow.  

Arguable thesis with normative claim 

Given Sandel’s argument against genetic enhancement, we should not allow parents to decide on using Human Growth Hormone for their children.

This thesis tells us what we should do about a particular issue discussed in Sandel’s article, but it does not tell us how we should understand Sandel’s argument.  

Questions to ask about your thesis 

• Is the thesis truly arguable? Does it speak to a genuine dilemma in the source, or would most readers automatically agree with it?  
• Is the thesis too obvious? Again, would most or all readers agree with it without needing to see your argument?  
• Is the thesis complex enough to require a whole essay's worth of argument?  
• Is the thesis supportable with evidence from the text rather than with generalizations or outside research?  
• Would anyone want to read a paper in which this thesis was developed? That is, can you explain what this paper is adding to our understanding of a problem, question, or topic?
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Meaning of thesis – Learner’s Dictionary

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thesis noun [C] ( WRITING )

Thesis noun [c] ( idea ).

(Definition of thesis from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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Word of the Day

to fasten the belt that keeps you in your seat in a car or a plane

Searching out and tracking down: talking about finding or discovering things

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Definition of 'thesis'

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• American English : thesis / ˈθisɪs /
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What is a Thesis? Definition, Examples of Theses in Literature

Home » The Writer’s Dictionary » What is a Thesis? Definition, Examples of Theses in Literature

Thesis definition: A thesis is a statement in which the writer conveys his position regarding a topic.

What is a Thesis?

A thesis statement refers to part of an essay where the writer establishes his position regarding a topic. This is the position that the writer will further explore throughout his paper.

Example of Thesis

• Topic : religious freedom.
• Thesis : All citizens of the United States should be allowed to exercise the religion of their choice freely without interference from government.
• Explanation : In this thesis statement, the writer has taken the position that all citizens should be free to worship and practice their religion as they see fit. The government should not pressure citizens into any religion, and it should not persecute members of any faith community.

The Importance of a Thesis Statement

Thesis statements are important in order to establish the writer’s position regarding a topic or idea. They help to introduce the essay and set a focus for the reader.

Narrative thesis statements are found in narrative essays or in literature. They set the scene for the lesson that will be explored or taught through the piece.

Famous opening lines that exemplify a narrative thesis:

• The following narrative thesis is found in A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens:

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

The Function of Thesis in Literature

Narrative thesis statements are important in literature in order to establish the purpose for the work or introduce the lesson that the novel will attempt to teach. This allows the reader to have a focus when beginning the novel in order to effectively engage them into the story.

Examples of Theses in Literature

In the memoir, I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai, a thesis statement can be found in the beginning pages of her story.

• “One year ago I left my home for school and never returned. I was shot by a Taliban bullet and was flown out of Pakistan unconscious. Some people say I will never return home, but I believe firmly in my heart that I will. To be torn from the country that you love is not something to wish on anyone.”

In this thesis statement, Yousafzai establishes the basis of her memoir, which is to tell the story of how she was forced to leave her home.

In Vladmir Nabokov’s Lolita , a thesis can be seen in the line, “Lolita, light of my life, the fire of my loins”.

Here the narrator establishes the identity of the young nymph that he is unhealthily obsessed with in the story. Lolita is a young child while he is a grown man; therefore, this statement creates the uneasy feeling about him that continues throughout the novel.

Summary: What Are Theses?

Define thesis in literature: In summation, a thesis statement establishes a purpose in the piece of writing. It may establish the lesson or story to be told, or in an essay it may establish the position the writer assumes when exploring a topic.

Either way, it is important for the thesis to be clear in order to effectively convey the writer’s message.

Final Example:

In Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado,” the thesis statement can be found in the first line of the short story. Montresor immediately states his purpose, “the thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as best I could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge.”

In this statement, Montresor states that he will be seeking revenge after being treated wrongly by Fortunato. By beginning the story with the narrative thesis establishes the purpose for the remainder of the piece.

Thesis Statements

What this handout is about.

This handout describes what a thesis statement is, how thesis statements work in your writing, and how you can craft or refine one for your draft.

Introduction

Writing in college often takes the form of persuasion—convincing others that you have an interesting, logical point of view on the subject you are studying. Persuasion is a skill you practice regularly in your daily life. You persuade your roommate to clean up, your parents to let you borrow the car, your friend to vote for your favorite candidate or policy. In college, course assignments often ask you to make a persuasive case in writing. You are asked to convince your reader of your point of view. This form of persuasion, often called academic argument, follows a predictable pattern in writing. After a brief introduction of your topic, you state your point of view on the topic directly and often in one sentence. This sentence is the thesis statement, and it serves as a summary of the argument you’ll make in the rest of your paper.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement:

• tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.
• is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.
• directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel.
• makes a claim that others might dispute.
• is usually a single sentence near the beginning of your paper (most often, at the end of the first paragraph) that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

If your assignment asks you to take a position or develop a claim about a subject, you may need to convey that position or claim in a thesis statement near the beginning of your draft. The assignment may not explicitly state that you need a thesis statement because your instructor may assume you will include one. When in doubt, ask your instructor if the assignment requires a thesis statement. When an assignment asks you to analyze, to interpret, to compare and contrast, to demonstrate cause and effect, or to take a stand on an issue, it is likely that you are being asked to develop a thesis and to support it persuasively. (Check out our handout on understanding assignments for more information.)

How do I create a thesis?

A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking process. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading an essay assignment. Before you develop an argument on any topic, you have to collect and organize evidence, look for possible relationships between known facts (such as surprising contrasts or similarities), and think about the significance of these relationships. Once you do this thinking, you will probably have a “working thesis” that presents a basic or main idea and an argument that you think you can support with evidence. Both the argument and your thesis are likely to need adjustment along the way.

Writers use all kinds of techniques to stimulate their thinking and to help them clarify relationships or comprehend the broader significance of a topic and arrive at a thesis statement. For more ideas on how to get started, see our handout on brainstorming .

How do I know if my thesis is strong?

If there’s time, run it by your instructor or make an appointment at the Writing Center to get some feedback. Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis evaluation of your own. When reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the following :

• Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question. If the prompt isn’t phrased as a question, try to rephrase it. For example, “Discuss the effect of X on Y” can be rephrased as “What is the effect of X on Y?”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”; what specifically makes something “successful”?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is likely to  be “So what?” then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue.
• Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering? If your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It’s okay to change your working thesis to reflect things you have figured out in the course of writing your paper. Remember, always reassess and revise your writing as necessary.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

Suppose you are taking a course on contemporary communication, and the instructor hands out the following essay assignment: “Discuss the impact of social media on public awareness.” Looking back at your notes, you might start with this working thesis:

Social media impacts public awareness in both positive and negative ways.

You can use the questions above to help you revise this general statement into a stronger thesis.

• Do I answer the question? You can analyze this if you rephrase “discuss the impact” as “what is the impact?” This way, you can see that you’ve answered the question only very generally with the vague “positive and negative ways.”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not likely. Only people who maintain that social media has a solely positive or solely negative impact could disagree.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? No. What are the positive effects? What are the negative effects?
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? No. Why are they positive? How are they positive? What are their causes? Why are they negative? How are they negative? What are their causes?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? No. Why should anyone care about the positive and/or negative impact of social media?

After thinking about your answers to these questions, you decide to focus on the one impact you feel strongly about and have strong evidence for:

Because not every voice on social media is reliable, people have become much more critical consumers of information, and thus, more informed voters.

This version is a much stronger thesis! It answers the question, takes a specific position that others can challenge, and it gives a sense of why it matters.

Let’s try another. Suppose your literature professor hands out the following assignment in a class on the American novel: Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn. “This will be easy,” you think. “I loved Huckleberry Finn!” You grab a pad of paper and write:

Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.

You begin to analyze your thesis:

• Do I answer the question? No. The prompt asks you to analyze some aspect of the novel. Your working thesis is a statement of general appreciation for the entire novel.

Think about aspects of the novel that are important to its structure or meaning—for example, the role of storytelling, the contrasting scenes between the shore and the river, or the relationships between adults and children. Now you write:

In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

• Do I answer the question? Yes!
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not really. This contrast is well-known and accepted.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? It’s getting there–you have highlighted an important aspect of the novel for investigation. However, it’s still not clear what your analysis will reveal.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? Not yet. Compare scenes from the book and see what you discover. Free write, make lists, jot down Huck’s actions and reactions and anything else that seems interesting.
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? What’s the point of this contrast? What does it signify?”

After examining the evidence and considering your own insights, you write:

Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

This final thesis statement presents an interpretation of a literary work based on an analysis of its content. Of course, for the essay itself to be successful, you must now present evidence from the novel that will convince the reader of your interpretation.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. 2018. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing , 8th ed. New York: Pearson.

Ruszkiewicz, John J., Christy Friend, Daniel Seward, and Maxine Hairston. 2010. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers , 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Thesis: Definition and Examples in Composition

Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms

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A thesis ( THEE-ses ) is the main (or controlling) idea of an essay , report , speech , or research paper , sometimes written as a single declarative sentence known as a thesis statement . A thesis may be implied rather than stated directly. Plural: theses . It's also known as a thesis statement, thesis sentence, controlling idea.

In the classical rhetorical exercises known as the  progymnasmata , the  thesis is an exercise that requires a student to argue a case for one side or the other.

Etymology From the Greek, "to put"

Examples and Observations (Definition #1)

• "My thesis is simple: in the next century mankind must harness the nuclear genie if our energy needs are to be met and our security preserved." (John B. Ritch, "Nuclear Green," Prospect Magazine , March 1999)
• "We watch baseball: it's what we have always imagined life should be like. We play softball. It's sloppy--the way life really is." (from the introduction to Watching Baseball, Playing Softball)
• "Through Mansfield's skillful handling of point of view, characterization, and plot development, Miss Brill comes across as a convincing character who evokes our sympathy." (thesis statement in Miss Brill's Fragile Fantasy )
• "Suppose there were no critics to tell us how to react to a picture, a play, or a new composition of music. Suppose we wandered innocent as the dawn into an art exhibition of unsigned paintings. By what standards, by what values would we decide whether they were good or bad, talented or untalented, success or failures? How can we ever know that what we think is right?" (Marya Mannes, "How Do You Know It's Good?")
• "I think people are disturbed by the discovery that no longer is a small town autonomous--it is a creature of the state and of the Federal Government. We have accepted money for our schools, our libraries, our hospitals, our winter roads. Now we face the inevitable consequence: the benefactor wants to call the turns." (E.B. White, "Letter from the East")
• "It is possible to stop most drug addiction in the United States within a very short time. Simply make all drugs available and sell them at cost." (Gore Vidal, "Drugs")
• The Two Parts of an Effective Thesis "An effective thesis is generally composed of two parts: a topic and the writer's attitude or opinion about or reaction to that topic." (William J. Kelly, Strategy and Structure . Allyn and Bacon, 1996)
• Drafting and Revising a Thesis "It's a good idea to formulate a thesis early in the writing process , perhaps by jotting it on scratch paper, by putting it at the head of a rough outline , or by attempting to write an introductory paragraph that includes the thesis. Your tentative thesis will probably be less graceful than the thesis you include in the final version of your essay. Here, for example, is one student's early effort: Although they both play percussion instruments, drummers and percussionists are very different. The thesis that appeared in the final draft of the student's paper was more polished: Two types of musicians play percussion instruments--drummers and percussionists--and they are as different as Quiet Riot and the New York Philharmonic. Don't worry too soon about the exact wording of your thesis, however, because your main point may change as you refine your ideas." (Diana Hacker, The Bedford Handbook , 6th ed. Bedford/St. Martin's, 2002)
• A Good Thesis - "A good thesis tells the audience exactly what you want them to know, understand, and remember when your speech is done. Write it as a simple, declarative sentence (or two) that restates the speech purpose and states the main points that support the purpose. Although you may formulate a thesis statement early in the speech development process, you may revise and reword it as you research your topic.' (Sherwyn P. Morreale, Brian H. Spitzberg, and J. Kevin Barge, Human Communication: Motivation, Knowledge, and Skills , 2nd ed. Thomson Higher Education, 2007) - "An effective thesis statement singles out some aspect of a subject for attention and clearly defines your approach to it." (David Blakesley and Jeffrey L. Hoogeveen, Writing: A Manual for the Digital Age . Wadsworth, 2011)

Examples and Observations (Definition #2)

" Thesis . This advanced exercise [one of the progymnasmata] asks the student to write an answer to a 'general question' ( quaestio infina )--that is, a question not involving individuals. . . . Quintilian . . . notes that a general question can be made into a persuasive subject if names are added (II.4.25). That is, a Thesis would pose a general question such as 'Should a man marry?' or 'Should one fortify a city?' (A Special Question on the other hand would be 'Should Marcus marry Livia?' or 'Should Athens spend money to build a defensive wall?')" (James J. Murphy, A Short History of Writing Instruction: From Ancient Greece to Modern America , 2nd ed. Lawrence Erlbaum, 2001)

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thesis noun

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What does the noun thesis mean?

There are eight meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun thesis . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

thesis has developed meanings and uses in subjects including

Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

How common is the noun thesis ?

How is the noun thesis pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the noun thesis come from.

Earliest known use

Middle English

The earliest known use of the noun thesis is in the Middle English period (1150—1500).

OED's earliest evidence for thesis is from before 1398, in a translation by John Trevisa, translator.

thesis is a borrowing from Greek.

Etymons: Greek θέσις .

Nearby entries

• thesaurus, n. 1823–
• thesaury, n. a1639–1708
• these, n. a1600–48
• these, pron. & adj. Old English–
• Thesean, adj. 1815–
• Theseid, n. 1725–
• Theseium, n. 1819–
• these-like, adj. 1644–
• thesial, adj. 1654
• thesicle, n. 1863–
• thesis, n. a1398–
• thesis-novel, n. 1934–
• thesis-play, n. 1902–
• thesmophilist, n. 1644–
• Thesmophorian, adj. 1891–
• Thesmophoric, adj. 1788–
• thesmothete, n. 1603–
• thesocyte, n. 1887–
• thesp, n. 1962–
• Thespian, adj. & n. 1675–
• Thespianism, n. 1914–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for thesis, n..

thesis, n. was first published in 1912; not yet revised.

thesis, n. was last modified in March 2024.

Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:

• corrections and revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations which have been added in subsequent print and online updates.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into thesis, n. in March 2024.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1912)

• Find out more

OED Second Edition (1989)

• View thesis in OED Second Edition

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Citation details

Factsheet for thesis, n., browse entry.

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Definition of thesis noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

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What's The Definition Of A Sandwich? The USDA Might Not Even Know

A t first blush, sandwiches seem to be a pretty benign subject. But once you scratch the surface, a quagmire of misinformation, infighting among food historians, and a lack of clarity on even the most basic aspects of this ubiquitous food item soon appears. Even the origin of the sandwich is cloaked in mystery. Yes, John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, gave it a name, but he didn't actually invent the sandwich, he only popularized it. The actual inventor is lost to history.

And while foodies argue over the best and worst breads for an egg salad sandwich , we should at least be able to agree on what a sandwich is, right? Nope. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a sandwich as "two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between," but then goes on to include another definition ("one slice of bread covered with food"). But does this mean a hot dog is a sandwich since it fits the first definition? The dictionary does indeed define it as a sandwich. How about a taco? Merriam-Webster remains mum on this, but the legal system has weighed in on the matter.

To try and get some answers, such a meaty topic is worth chewing on. While the USDA does provide more insight into what counts as a sandwich, even the federal agency isn't 100% sure about certain foods. In fact, the actual regulation of closed-face sandwiches falls to a different department entirely (that would be the FDA).

Read more: The Biggest Mistakes Everyone Makes When Cooking Burgers

A Sandwich By Any Other Name

The USDA is the federal agency that determines things like  the last day you can still eat lunch meat from an open package (it's three to five days, by the way). Its mission includes providing "leadership on food, agriculture ... and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management," per the USDA website . The agency is responsible for overseeing meat and poultry and defines a closed-face sandwich as "consisting of two slices of bread or the top and bottom sections of a sliced bun that enclose meat or poultry," according to the 2024 edition of its  "Food Standards and Labeling Policy Book."  All it says about an open-faced sandwich is that it must "contain at least 50 percent cooked meat."

The USDA defines burritos and fajitas as "sandwich-like," which isn't very clear. Tacos aren't even considered "sandwich-like," much less a full-on sandwich. Without a better picture of what defines a sandwich, it's no surprise the food world would stack up related issues like a sky-high club sandwich. For instance, chef (and OG foodie)  James Beard hated the modern club sandwich because he vehemently felt that it was a pale imitation of the original because it used chicken instead of turkey and wasn't a triple-decker. The sandwich, it seems, is rife with controversy from soup to nuts, or in this case, from bread to filling -- something that appears to happen even at the local level.

Different States, Different Sandwich Definitions

What constitutes a sandwich may also depend on where you live. In California, for instance, the state considers both hot dogs and hamburgers sandwiches. New York state agrees, but goes even further with its definition. The state includes gyros, burritos, and even buttered bagels in the definition. Basically, anything that's "made on bread, on bagels, on rolls, in pitas, in wraps, or otherwise, and regardless of the filling or number of layers" makes the cut, per the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website. Since New York taxes sandwiches, perhaps it makes sense that the state is so broad with what it defines as one.

Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, the courts have ruled a burrito is not a sandwich. But a state judge in Indiana recently ruled that burritos do fit the description of a sandwich. This same judge also ruled on the taco issue. And the answer is yes, it qualifies as a sandwich, at least in the Hoosier State.

Read the original article on Chowhound

What Is a Drone?

An overview of drone technology.

A drone is an aerial vehicle that receives remote commands from a pilot or relies on software for autonomous flight. Most commercial or consumer-grade drones in use today are propeller-equipped and feature cameras for collecting visual data.

Drone Definition

A drone, also called an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), is a broad term that refers to an aircraft that operates autonomously or by remote control, with no pilot on board. Sectors like videography, search and rescue, agriculture and transportation have adopted drone technology.

Drones are usually small-or-medium-sized, and these ‘flying robots’ can carry out a wide range of tasks, from stealth military operations to package delivery to aerial photography.

UAV Meaning

Another name for drones is unmanned aerial vehicle, which is an aircraft that doesn’t require a pilot to be physically onboard. UAVs are often separated into two categories — civilian and military. While civilian UAVs are used for package deliveries and recreation, military drones are used for reconnaissance missions and aerial combat.

What Are Drones Used For?

Drone technology has become a greater part of everyday life due to its increasing complexity. Here are a few ways drones are used today.  

Photography and Videography

Drones have been a boon for photographers who use UAVs to take expansive aerial photos . There are drones made specifically for photography that provide a new way to photograph some of your favorite city skyline, beach or building from high above. Drones can also be used to record videos for sporting events, films and virtual real estate tours, providing footage from unprecedented vantage points to enhance the viewing experience. 

Delivery Services

Delivery drones  are UAVs used to transport food, packages or goods to your front doorstep. These flying vehicles are known as “last mile” delivery drones because they are used to make deliveries from stores or warehouses close by.  Retailers and grocery chains  all over the country are turning to drones as a more efficient delivery alternative, instead of relying on delivery drivers with inefficient trucks.

Search and Rescue

Sometimes it’s not safe enough to send humans into a rescue situation , due to the scope or severity of the disaster. That’s where drones come in. In the case of a capsized boat or drowning individual, officials can throw an autonomous underwater vehicle into the water to assist in the rescue. If there’s an avalanche,  drones are deployed to look for those caught in the snow .

Agriculture

Drones have proven to be beneficial to the agriculture industry  as well, presenting farmers with several ways to optimize their farms to maximize efficiency and reduce physical strain. Carrying out field surveys, seeding over fields, tracking livestock and estimating crop yield are all made easier through the use of UAVs while saving agriculture professionals valuable time.

Surveillance

Both local law enforcement and military personnel can operate more effectively with the help of drones. Police can use drones to monitor events, record and preserve video evidence of traffic violations and recreate crime scenes through mapping analysis. Meanwhile, military personnel can apply drone technology to track enemy soldiers’ locations, conducting more focused attacks and refining their strategies.   

Personal Use

Thanks to lower costs, drones are much more accessible to the average consumer. Anyone can use drones for recreational use, like taking pictures for personal use or practicing flying a drone in a park. In addition, pilots must follow recreational regulations and ensure they have any required certifications before flying a drone for fun.     

Wildlife Monitoring

Drones are a cheaper and more efficient alternative  to wildlife conservation. Tracking wildlife populations is nearly impossible with humans on the ground. Having an eye-in-the-sky allows wildlife conservationists to track roaming groups of animals and get a better idea of the health of their species and ecosystems. Drones are also being used for reforestation efforts  all over the world.

3D Modeling

LiDAR drones come outfitted with LiDAR sensors, which survey landscapes and compile in-depth data that can be used to build 3D models. Drones equipped with LiDAR can present far more accurate data than drones without the technology.

Military Operations

The British and U.S. militaries started using very basic forms of drones in the early 1940s to spy on enemies. Today’s drones are much more advanced than the UAVs of yesteryear, equipped with thermal imaging, laser range finders and even tools to perform airstrikes.

Types of Drones

There are several different  types of drones , each tailored to the unique demands of different industries. For instance, some people require lightweight drones to hold a camera for photography, while others need robust drones to transport heavy medical supplies.

Multi-Rotor Drones

Multi-rotor drones have several propellers that push wind downward to vertically lift off the ground. Multi-rotor drones are probably the most accessible drones available to the public, since they are easy to control and maneuver during flight. Some multi-rotor drones are ideal for beginner pilots as well, leading to them being an affordable option in the drone market.

Single-Rotor Drones

Single-rotor drones look like tiny helicopters, with one central propeller attached to its frame. They can be powered by gas or electricity, and are usually used to transport heavier objects, including LiDAR systems, that can be used to survey land, research storms and map erosion caused by global warming.

Fixed-Wing Drones

Fixed-wing drones look like normal airplanes, where the wings provide the lift instead of rotors. Since these drones are usually much larger, they need to take off and land on runways just as airplanes do. Fixed-wing UAVs are used by the military to carry out strikes, by scientists to carry large amounts of equipment and even by nonprofits to deliver food and other goods to areas that are hard to reach.

Fixed-Wing Hybrid VTOL Drones

Fixed-wing hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drones blend the best of fixed-wing and rotary drone models — they can take off and land vertically but then fly horizontally. Companies take advantage of this combination, relying on fixed-wing hybrid VTOL drones to further cut down on delivery times while offering a more versatile flight experience.

Other Common Types of Drones

Drones companies have responded to the demand for drones in specific sectors as well. Below are some more popular types of drone technology designed for various scenarios:

• Underwater remotely operated vehicles
• Combat drones
• Delivery drones
• Endurance drones
• Racing drones
• Reconnaissance drones

How Do Drones Work?

In order to fly, drones rely on a combination of hardware and software components. They are often equipped with rotors, propellers or fixed wings, sensors and cameras, navigation systems (GPS) and gyroscopes for stability.

Additionally, some of the most critical components of drone technology are its ground control station (GCS), payload and data links.

• Ground control stations  are the hardware and software setups that allow drone operators to communicate with a drone from the ground. The GCS can be user controlled or operated via satellites.
• Drones are often capable of carrying  payloads , which can range from life-saving medication to Amazon packages.
• Data links  act as the transmission center that allow the drone to communicate with the ground operator while in flight.

Future of Drone Technology

The  global drone market  is set to exceed $101 billion by 2032. While lower costs and more clear-cut regulations have made drones a viable option for individuals and businesses, technological innovation is perhaps the main driver behind the spread of drones.

Advances in Drone Technology

Drones have become much more complex with the help of other technologies. By equipping drones with  AI  and  machine learning , they have achieved greater autonomy and the ability to complete more difficult tasks. Combining drone and  IoT technology  has also resulted in drones that can share data in real time with other drones and human operators. 

With  increased intelligence  and  connectivity , it’s become possible to coordinate the movements of many drones at once. This powers what’s known as ‘drone swarms,’ which are capable of  performing light shows  as an alternative to fireworks. Enhanced drones can also make a meaningful impact in different industries:

• Healthcare:  Drones could assess accident and emergency scenes and share data with first responders to help them reduce their response times and save lives.  
• Energy:  Drones could survey infrastructure and equipment, reporting any damages or flaws for engineers to fix.
• Search and rescue:  Drones could map out environments and predict where disasters like avalanches and rockslides could occur, keeping travelers safe.
• Weather forecasting:  Drones could be flown into storms, tornadoes and other severe weather events to inform forecasting and safety response practices. 
• Aerospace:  Drones could aid in scanning other planets and celestial objects, with NASA planning to  send a drone to Saturn’s moon  Titan in 2028.    

Challenges in Drone Technology

The very developments that have made drones more complex have also created a new set of concerns for the future of drone technology.

Drones being flown in residential areas could capture  private information , and the ability to instantly share this data with other drones and human operators poses another  risk to data privacy . Even though the FAA has established drone regulations, these are  still evolving  and may not do enough to encourage ethical and transparent drone usage.

The application of drones in warfare has also ramped up, with the Russia-Ukraine war being labeled the “ first full-scale drone war .” Drone weaponry could soon become even more lethal with the introduction of  swarm technology . While a single drone can be shot down easily, swarms of drones are far more difficult to defend against.

It’s how drones are used that could turn the technology into a danger for everyday individuals. If regulations don’t do enough to promote the responsible use of drones, the general public may lose trust and reject drone technology as a whole.

Drone Regulations

General drone regulations.

The proliferation of drones has led the U.S. government to take a stronger stance on regulating its airspace. These are the  FAA regulations  that apply to drones in all contexts:  

• Drones must weigh no more than 55 pounds. 
• Drones  must be registered  with the FAA.
• Drones must follow  remote ID  rules, except in  FAA-recognized identification areas .
• Drones must avoid ‘ no drone zones ,’ which can be viewed with the  B4UFLY service .
• Drones must abide by any additional  airspace restrictions .
• Drones must be flown no higher than 400 feet.  
• Drones must be kept in the line of sight of the pilot or an observer. 
• Drones must make way for other aircraft to maximize safety.  

Drone Regulations for Recreational Use

Recreational use means no compensation or professional services are involved. Even if someone is unpaid but offers to take photos for a nonprofit or volunteer organization, this still counts as non-recreational. Besides the typical guidelines, there are a few extra rules those  using drones recreationally  must adhere to: 

• Pilots must take the  TRUST test  and carry proof of passing. 
• Drones must be registered and have the registration number marked on them.
• Drones must be flown only for personal use (no compensation or services involved). 
• Drones must follow FAA-recognized  community-based organization rules . 
• Drones must not affect other aircraft and the national airspace system.    

Drone Regulations for Commercial Use

Those looking to become certified remote pilots or who want to  fly drones commercially  must meet a separate set of standards in addition to the general guidelines:

• Pilots must follow  Part 107  under federal regulations. 
• Qualified individuals must pass the knowledge test.
• Those seeking a remote pilot certificate must complete form 8710-13.  
• Pilots must register their drones and mark them with their registration details.

Drone Regulations for International Operators

Non-citizens are allowed to fly drones in the U.S. as well, whether they’re merely visiting or establishing business operations. In addition to following U.S. rules for recreational and commercial drone use,  international flyers  must also abide by these rules: 

• Pilots must register their drones or submit a  notice of identification  if their drone is registered outside the U.S.  
• Recreational users must follow the guidelines for community-based organizations. 
• Recreational users must visit the FAADroneZone portal and complete the necessary steps. 
• Commercial users must follow  Part 375  under U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. 
• Commercial users must follow the typical rules for commercial flying. 
• Commercial users must possess a foreign aircraft permit issued by the DOT. This process may vary, depending on which country the operator is from. 
• Commercial users are responsible for taking steps to meet any additional standards, depending on the weight of their drones or business needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the simple definition of a drone.

Put simply, a drone is a flying craft without a pilot onboard, operated through remote control or pre-programmed flight plans.

Recent Hardware Articles

What is inflation? What causes it? Here's how it's defined and what the latest report means

The latest inflation readings showed a mixed bag as drops in grocery and used car prices balanced out increases in rent and gasoline.

Overall prices increased 3.4% from a year earlier, down from 3.5% in March, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic's consumer price index , a gauge of goods and services costs throughout the economy. Meanwhile, on a monthly basis, costs rose 0.3%, below the 0.4% rise the previous month but above the 0.1% to 0.2% readings that prevailed last fall.

Grocery prices dropped 0.2% after flatlining the previous two months, gasoline prices rose 2.8% and used car prices declined by 1.4%. Rent, measured in March, rose .4% month over month.

Core prices, which strip out volatile food and energy items and are watched more closely by the Fed, increased 0.3% after three straight 0.4% bumps. Annual inflation by that measure fell to 3.6%, the lowest reading since April 2021.

The Federal Reserve's goal for annual inflation is 2%.

Protect your assets: Best high-yield savings accounts of 2023

But what is inflation? Why does it matter? Here's what you need to know.

What is inflation? 

Inflation is the decline of purchasing power in an economy caused by rising prices,  according to Investopedia .

The root of inflation is an increase in an economy's money supply that allows more people to enter markets for goods, driving prices higher.

Inflation in the United States is measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which bundles together commonly purchased goods and services and tracks the change in prices.

A slowdown in inflation is called  disinflation  and a reduction in prices is called  deflation .

What causes inflation? 

Inflationary causes include:

• Demand pull : An inflationary cycle caused by demand outpacing production capabilities that leads to prices rising
• Cost-push effect : An inflationary effect where production costs are pushed into the final cost
• Built-in inflation : An increase in inflation as a result of people bargaining to maintain their purchasing power

Recently, some financial observers have assigned a new cause to the inflationary portfolio.

Independent financial research firm Fundstrat's head of research Tom Lee said on CNBC in March that corporate greed was a key driver to inflation.

What is hyperinflation?

Hyperinflation is the rapid and uncontrolled increase of inflation in an economy,  according to Investopedia .

The phenomenon is rare but when it occurs, the effects are devastating.  Hyperinflation in Yugoslavia  caused people to barter for goods instead of using the country's currency, which would be replaced by the German mark to stabilize the economy.

Hungary experienced  a daily inflation rate  of 207% between 1945 and 1946, the highest ever recorded.

Consumer Price Index month over month

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The 3-body problem is real, and it’s really unsolvable

Oh god don’t make me explain math

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Everybody seems to be talking about 3 Body Problem , the new Netflix series based on Cixin Liu’s Remembrance of Earth’s Past book trilogy . Fewer people are talking about the two series’ namesake: The unsolvable physics problem of the same name.

This makes sense, because it’s confusing . In physics, the three-body problem attempts to find a way to predict the movements of three objects whose gravity interacts with each of the others — like three stars that are close together in space. Sounds simple enough, right? Yet I myself recently pulled up the Wikipedia article on the three-body problem and closed the tab in the same manner that a person might stagger away from a bright light. Apparently the Earth, sun, and moon are a three-body system? Are you telling me we don’t know how the moon moves ? Scientists have published multiple solutions for the three-body problem? Are you telling me Cixin Liu’s books are out of date?

All I’d wanted to know was why the problem was considered unsolvable, and now memories of my one semester of high school physics were swimming before my eyes like so many glowing doom numbers. However, despite my pains, I have readied several ways that we non-physicists can be confident that the three-body problem is, in fact, unsolvable.

Reason 1: This is a special definition of ‘unsolvable’

The three-body problem is extra confusing, because scientists are seemingly constantly finding new solutions to the three-body problem! They just don’t mean a one-solution-for-all solution. Such a formula does exist for a two-body system, and apparently Isaac Newton figured it out in 1687 . But systems with more than two bodies are, according to physicists, too chaotic (i.e., not in the sense of a child’s messy bedroom, but in the sense of “chaos theory”) to be corralled by a single solution.

When physicists say they have a new solution to the three-body problem, they mean that they’ve found a specific solution for three-body systems that have certain theoretical parameters. Don’t ask me to explain those parameters, because they’re all things like “the three masses are collinear at each instant” or “a zero angular momentum solution with three equal masses moving around a figure-eight shape.” But basically: By narrowing the focus of the problem to certain arrangements of three-body systems, physicists have been able to derive formulas that predict the movements of some of them, like in our solar system. The mass of the Earth and the sun create a “ restricted three-body problem ,” where a less-big body (in this case, the moon) moves under the influence of two massive ones (the Earth and the sun).

What physicists mean when they say the three-body problem has no solution is simply that there isn’t a one-formula-fits-all solution to every way that the gravity of three objects might cause those objects to move — which is exactly what Three-Body Problem bases its whole premise on.

Reason 2: 3 Body Problem picked an unsolved three-body system on purpose

Henri Poincaré’s research into a general solution to the three-body problem formed the basis of what would become known as chaos theory (you might know it from its co-starring role in Jurassic Park ). And 3 Body Problem itself isn’t about any old three-body system. It’s specifically about an extremely chaotic three-body system, the exact kind of arrangement of bodies that Poincaré was focused on when he showed that the problem is “unsolvable.”

[ Ed. note: The rest of this section includes some spoilers for 3 Body Problem .]

In both Liu’s books and Netflix’s 3 Body Problem , humanity faces an invasion by aliens (called Trisolarans in the English translation of the books, and San-Ti in the TV series) whose home solar system features three suns in a chaotic three-body relationship. It is a world where, unlike ours, the heavens are fundamentally unpredictable. Periods of icy cold give way to searing heat that give way to swings in gravity that turn into temporary reprieves that can never be trusted. The unpredictable nature of the San-Ti environment is the source of every detail of their physicality, their philosophy, and their desire to claim Earth for their own.

In other words, 3 Body Problem ’s three-body problem is unsolvable because Liu wanted to write a story with an unsolvable three-body system, so he chose one of the three-body systems for which we have not discovered a solution, and might never.

Reason 3: Scientists are still working on the three-body problem

Perhaps the best reason I can give you to believe that the three-body problem is real, and is really unsolvable, is that some scientists published a whole set of new solutions for specific three-body systems very recently .

If physicists are still working on the three-body problem, we can safely assume that it has not been solved. Scientists, after all, are the real experts. And I am definitely not.

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Nintendo acquiring the studio that ported Hogwarts Legacy is super interesting

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Happy Cool Sword Day to all who celebrate!

Unsheathe and celebrate

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On Cool Sword Day, celebrate the only thing cooler than dual-wielding swords…

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Slang dictionary

[ sig - muh meyl ]

What is a sigma male ?

Sigma male is a slang term used in masculinist subcultures for a popular, successful, but highly independent and self-reliant man. Another term for a sigma male is a  lone wolf .

Sigma male has seen most of its usage by the same members of what is known as the manosphere and who use other Greek letters to form a social hierarchy, such as alpha male , beta male , and omega male . The term has also been used to mock all of these labels used to categorize men. 

Related words

Where does sigma male come from.

Sigma is the name of the 18th letter of the Greek alphabet , Capital sigma is written as Σ; lowercase sigma is written as σ and ς at the end of words. Sigma is transliterated as the English letter S and s . In fact, the English letter S develops from the Greek sigma . Sigma follows the pattern in masculinist subcultures of using (often sequential) letters of the Greek alphabet to create a social hierarchy of masculinity, e.g., alpha , beta , gamma , delta , and omega males .

The term sigma male seems to be a creation of far-right activist and writer Theodore Robert Beale, who goes by Vox Day. Beale began using the term as early as January 2010, when he defined it on his blog. Why Beale chose specifically sigma (as opposed to other letters yet untaken in masculinist discourse) is unclear.  While a so-called alpha male is aggressive , sociable, and outgoing, the sigma male is constructed as succeeding in life and in relationships without actively engaging in social interaction. The sigma male is introverted and shuns mainstream society, yet still manages to be a successful man who is popular with women.

Beale described sigma males as “lone wolves” and likened them to introverted alpha males. He singled out actor Clint Eastwood’s movie characters as examples of sigma males . In a more recent post about the topic, he would further define the sigma male as “The outsiders who don’t play the social game and manage to win at it anyhow.” According to Beale, alpha males dislike sigma males because sigma males effortlessly succeed while alpha males have to work hard to achieve their status.

Sigma male would remain relatively obscure over the rest of the decade. It would mainly be used by followers of Beale and other members of the manosphere who came across it. In 2014, author John Alexander would use the term in the title of his relationship advice book The Sigma Male: What Women Really Want .

So it seems that am a #Sigma male not exactly sure what that is but ok. — Miguel. (@trevin77) November 22, 2013

i wasn't aware of this, that i am a SIGMA MALE — zulker nayeen (@zu1kernayeen) November 9, 2018

On January 25, 2021, Twitter user Lily Simpson brought wider attention to sigma male when she posted several images using the term.

What the fuck is going on with men pic.twitter.com/3x1ZI20HCF — Lily Simpson (@LilySimpson1312) January 25, 2021

Simpson’s tweet was repeatedly shared and caused many Twitter users to mock the term, often using images of the character Commander Sigma from the Mega Man X series of video games.

This the only "Sigma male" I'm ever talkin about pic.twitter.com/fO3DzUfU5E — Arby (@Arbiterwarpig) January 26, 2021

An article published on January 27, 2021 in MEL Magazine by Miles Klee, called “Everything You Never Wanted to Know About the ‘Sigma Male’,” brought further mainstream attention to the term.

Examples of sigma male

Who uses sigma male.

The term sigma male is sometimes used sincerely by those who identify with this category of men, but it is also mocked or used ironically by those who think the idea is ridiculous.

this 'sigma male' thing has provided a few chuckles this morning. Do you reckon these blokes are still arguing over who gets to be Raphael too, since he was the 'cool' turtle? — Jen '100% Ghost of Tsushima trash' Williams (@sennydreadful) January 26, 2021

HOW THIS ALL WORKS: 1) Lone, desperate weirdo creates idea of "Sigma Male" to be more alphaier 2) Liberals catch on to this, descend to mass mock 3) Conservatives use it ironically to p0wn the libs 4) The irony drops away over time as saying creates believing 5) Sigma males ahoy — Ferrett Steinmetz (@ferretthimself) January 26, 2021

alpha ,beta, AND sigma males? i never liked frat guys anyways — ritz (@shrimpnritz) January 26, 2021

This is not meant to be a formal definition of sigma male like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of sigma male that will help our users expand their word mastery.

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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Department of Justice

Justice department publishes new rule to update definition of "engaged in the business" as a firearms dealer, rule seeks to implement provisions of the bipartisan safer communities act and provide clarity on who must obtain a license and run background checks.

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department today announced it has submitted to the Federal Register the “Engaged in the Business” Final Rule, which makes clear the circumstances in which a person is “engaged in the business” of dealing in firearms and thus required to obtain a federal firearms license, in order to increase compliance with the federal background check requirement for firearm sales by federal firearms licensees. 

“Under this regulation, it will not matter if guns are sold on the internet, at a gun show, or at a brick-and-mortar store: if you sell guns predominantly to earn a profit, you must be licensed, and you must conduct background checks,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This regulation is a historic step in the Justice Department’s fight against gun violence. It will save lives.”

“The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act enhanced background checks and closed loopholes, including by redefining when a person is ‘engaged in the business’ of dealing in firearms. Today’s rule clarifying application of that definition will save lives by requiring all those in the business of selling guns to get a federal license and run background checks — thus keeping guns out of the hands of violent criminals,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “I applaud the hard work of ATF in drafting this rule and reviewing the hundreds of thousands of public comments, which overwhelmingly favored the rule announced today. Because of that work, our communities will be safer.”

“This is about protecting the lives of innocent, law-abiding Americans as well as the rule of law. There is a large and growing black market of guns that are being sold by people who are in the business of dealing and are doing it without a license; and therefore, they are not running background checks the way the law requires. And it is fueling violence,” said Director Steven Dettelbach of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “Today’s Final Rule is about ensuring compliance with an important area of the existing law where we all know, the data show, and we can clearly see that a whole group of folks are openly flouting that law. That leads to not just unfair but, in this case, dangerous consequences.”

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), enacted June 25, 2022, expanded the definition of engaging in the business of firearms dealing to cover all persons who devote time, attention, and labor to dealing in firearms as a regular course of trade or business to predominately earn a profit through the repetitive purchase and sale of firearms. On March 14, 2023, President Biden issued Executive Order 14092, which, among other things, directs the Attorney General to develop and implement a plan to clarify the definition of who is engaged in the business of dealing in firearms and thus required to obtain a federal firearms license. The Final Rule conforms the ATF regulations to the new BSCA definition and further clarifies the conduct that presumptively requires a license under that revised definition, among other things.

Federally licensed firearms dealers are critical to federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement in our shared goal of promoting public safety. Licensees submit background checks on potential purchasers to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System, which helps to keep firearms out of the hands of prohibited persons. Further, licensees keep records of sales transactions to help ensure that when a gun is used in a crime and recovered by law enforcement it can be traced back to the first retail purchaser; they help identify and prevent straw purchasers from buying firearms on behalf of prohibited persons and criminals; and they facilitate safe storage of firearms by providing child-safety locks with every transferred handgun and offer customers other secure gun storage options. Unlicensed dealing, however, undermines these public-safety features — which is why Congress has long prohibited engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without the required license.

To increase compliance with the statutes Congress has enacted, the Final Rule identifies conduct that is presumed to require a federal firearms license. And, in addition to implementing the revised statutory definition discussed above, the Final Rule clarifies the circumstances in which a license is — or is not — required by, among other things, adding a definition of “personal firearms collection” to ensure that genuine hobbyists and collectors may enhance or liquidate their collections without fear of violating the law. The Final Rule also provides clarity as to what licensees must do with their inventory when they go out of business.

The Final Rule goes into effect 30 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register. 

On Sept. 8, 2023, the Justice Department published a notice of proposed rulemaking , and during the 90-day open comment period, ATF received nearly 388,000 comments.

The final rule, as submitted to the Federal Register, can be viewed here . 

Please note: This is the text of the Engaged in the Business Final Rule as signed by the Attorney General, but the official version of the Final Rule will be as it is published in the Federal Register.

Learn more about the rulemaking process here .

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