topsy-turvy

1 of 3

adverb

top·​sy-tur·​vy ˌtäp-sē-ˈtər-vē 

1

: in utter confusion or disorder

2

: with the top or head downward : upside down

topsy-turvy

2 of 3

adjective

: turned topsy-turvy : totally disordered

topsy-turvily

ˌtäp-sē-ˈtər-və-lē 

adverb

topsy-turvydom

ˌtäp-sē-ˈtər-vē-dəm 

noun

topsy-turvy

3 of 3

noun

: topsy-turviness

Synonyms of topsy-turvy

Adjective

• chaotic
• messy
• confused
• littered
• sloppy

Examples of topsy-turvy in a Sentence

Adjective

the office is still topsy-turvy even though we moved in months ago

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Like Mahrez, Austria’s Marcel Sabitzer seemed slightly dazed following the topsy-turvy turn of events. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2026

But thanks to Haiti’s determination to leave an entertaining mark on this tournament, and Morocco’s shocked need to respond, the crowd were treated to a topsy-turvy fiesta of football. — Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 26 June 2026

Adjective

Given the topsy-turvy nature of the NHL standings this year outside of the top three teams in the Central Division, this might not matter a week or two from now, but there were seven other teams in the league with 52-plus points Wednesday morning. — Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026

But then came a critical turning point in a topsy-turvy game. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

Noun

Paradox Museum, Miami Prepare to spend your time at the Paradox Museum totally confused and feeling topsy-turvy — that’s the point. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 14 July 2026

The shift made what had once seemed like a final rupture into just another twist in the topsy-turvy relationship between the powerful senator and the president who came to dominate their party. — Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

probably ultimately from tops (plural of top entry 1) + obsolete English terve to turn upside down

First Known Use

Adverb

1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1612, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1655, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for topsy-turvy

• curvy
• nervy
• scurvy

Kids Definition

topsy-turvy

adverb

top·​sy-tur·​vy

ˌtäp-sē-ˈtər-vē

: upside down

topsy-turvy adjective