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

There are a number of treatments already available for baldness, such as topical treatments, prescription medications, and transplants, but the study offers deeper insight into the processes that can rejuvenate hair growth. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025

According to De La Torre, rosemary essential oil is as effective as minoxidil in a study comparing the two interventions used for six months, with rosemary oil having fewer side effects like the scalp itching associated with topical medications. —Essence, 23 Oct. 2025

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

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