topical

adjective

top·​i·​cal ˈtä-pi-kəl 

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

ˈtä-pi-k(ə-)lē 

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

Note that topical versions of turmeric are sometimes promoted for skin issues, but only oral forms have been linked to blood pressure benefits. Check the product label for specific directions, but most turmeric supplements are better absorbed with food. —Patricia Weiser, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2025

Gaither and Wilson are among those who hypothesize that topical topical or vaginal estrogen may be used to restore plumpness and health to the vulvar tissues. —Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 28 Apr. 2025

Several years ago multiple medications in both oral and topical applications became popular to block DHT along with the use of minoxidil. —Caroline Tell, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

It was formulated by the late Sheldon Pinnell, MD, a dermatology professor at Duke University who pioneered the use of topical vitamin C in the 1980s. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Rhymes for topical

• tropical
• intertropical
• microscopical
• neotropical
• subtropical

Kids Definition

topical

adjective

top·​i·​cal ˈtäp-i-kəl 

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

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

topical

adjective

top·​i·​cal ˈtäp-i-kəl 

: 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

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb