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

As a straightforward topical cream, Penguin certainly has earned their title as best value. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

To treat a rash or burn, apply a cool compress or a mild topical steroid like 1% hydrocortisone. —Aria Bendix, NBC News, 8 Mar. 2024

There are seven layers of skin, and most topical products, such as skincare products, only penetrate the stratum corneum (the outermost layer). —Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 1 Mar. 2024

Part of this was in search of topical — and accessible — question fodder. —Adam Tschorn, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024

Likewise, those looking to improve circulation and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles may also benefit, especially when using these devices in combination with topical treatments. —Isabella Ubaldi, Health, 20 Mar. 2024

One of the Good Ones is the type of writing both theater and television could use more of — genuinely funny, topical, and heartfelt without feeling preachy or overly sentimental. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2024

Since 1950, the glass bottle with the red, white and blue label has been marketed and sold as a topical treatment for a host of ailments like arthritis, back pain and muscular soreness. —Scott Talley, Detroit Free Press, 10 Mar. 2024

To ease the discomfort of the rash, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend taking an oral antihistamine (such as Benadryl) or applying topical treatments such as benzocaine, lidocaine, or calamine lotion. —Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

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