topical

adjective

top·​i·​cal ˈtä-pi-kəl How to pronounce topical (audio)
1
a
: referring to the topics of the day or place : of local or temporary interest
a topical novel
topical references
b
: of, relating to, or arranged by topics
set down in topical form
2
: designed for or involving local application and action (as on the body)
a topical anesthetic
a topical remedy
topically adverb

Did you know?

Like a topical medicine, a topical reference or story applies to something specific, focusing on a topic that's currently in the news. TV comedians often use topical humor, making jokes about a currently popular movie or the latest political scandal—if possible, one that just broke that same day. Topical humor has a short lifespan, though, because the news keeps changing and the new hot topics just keep coming. The medical meaning of topical stays closer to the meaning of the root, since it describes something that's put right on the place that seems to need it.

Examples of topical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Topicals First-line therapy for plaque psoriasis on any part of the body is a topical anti-inflammatory. Cathy Cassata, Health, 22 June 2024 The show premiered Off Broadway in 2022 but found new topical urgency when its Broadway transfer opened in December, with Oct. 7 still fresh in audiences’ minds. Gordon Cox, Variety, 16 June 2024 What Parents Like: The humor is loaded with topical quips and one-liners. Suelain Moy, Parents, 14 June 2024 Again, a firming cream can help smooth fine lines and wrinkles and improve elasticity—as in, giving skin some bounce and suppleness—but no topical formula can actually tighten skin, which requires collagen remodeling on a much deeper level. Deanna Pai, Allure, 12 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for topical 

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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of topical was circa 1525

Dictionary Entries Near topical

Cite this Entry

“Topical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topical. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

topical

adjective
top·​i·​cal ˈtäp-i-kəl How to pronounce topical (audio)
1
: designed to be applied to or to work on a specific place or part (as of the body)
a topical medicine
2
a
: of or relating to topics
topical outline
b
: referring to the topics of the day or place
topical jokes
topically adverb

Medical Definition

topical

adjective
top·​i·​cal ˈtäp-i-kəl How to pronounce topical (audio)
: designed for or involving application to or action on the surface of a part of the body
applied a topical anesthetic to numb the skin
eyedrops used in the topical treatment of glaucoma
topically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on topical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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