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

Treatments include long-lasting antihistamines, anti-itch creams, and topical or oral corticosteroids. —Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 1 Oct. 2025

Most topical collagen molecules are too large to benefit the skin in a meaningful way. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2025

The movie could draw comparisons to Paul Greengrass’ California-wildfire drama The Lost Bus, also a real-time thriller about a topical subject hitting streaming next month (Apple TV+). —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2025

Apply Lubricant Applying a thin layer of liquid lubricant or other anti-chafing topical cream to areas on your feet that are prone to blisters can help reduce friction while running. —Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 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