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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While gum disease treatments typically include cleanings and plaque removal, dentists sometimes turn to topical antibiotics when bacteria and calcified deposits are too difficult to remove, the researchers explained. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025 The workshop is curated by industry veterans Jill Dumain of Fractal CSOs, Todd Copeland of Copeland Consultancy LLC, and Kevin Myette of Bluesign Technologies, and will address topical issues impacting textile supply chains and provide actionable strategies. Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2025 The benzoquinones in those secretions are pungent to parasites and mosquitoes, and lemurs sometimes also ingest small amounts, suggesting a mix of topical repellent and internal deworming. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025 Season 27 of the beloved series is a ratings bonanza for Comedy Central, as well as a creative triumph for its showrunners, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and a delight for fans of irreverent topical satire. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for topical

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

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Cite this Entry

“Topical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topical. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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

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