topside

[ top-sahyd ]

noun

1. the upper side.
2. Usually topsides. Nautical. the outer surface of a hull above the water.
3. the most authoritative position or level.
4. Chiefly British. a cut of beef similar to a U.S. rump roast. Compare silverside ²( def ).
5. British. the top tops or outer side of a round of beef; beef from the outer thigh of a butchered cow.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or located on the topside.
2. of the most authoritative rank.

adverb

1. Also topsides. up on the deck:

   He left the engine room and went topside.

2. to, toward, or at the topside.

topside

/ ˈtɒpˌsaɪd /

noun

1. the uppermost side of anything
2. a lean cut of beef from the thigh containing no bone
3. often plural
   1. the part of a ship's sides above the waterline
   2. the parts of a ship above decks

Word History and Origins

Origin of topside¹

First recorded in 1670–80; top ¹ + side ¹

Example Sentences

With all my precautions, how was my system turned topside-turvy in the womb with my child!

From Project Gutenberg

After that, the Gaucho began reporting directly, and her topside identification-light went out.

From Project Gutenberg

The rockets leaped forward, from the topside racks, four and four and four and four, at half-second intervals.

From Project Gutenberg

Up topside, a man can take you in—take himself in—for months; for half a commission, p'rhaps.

From Project Gutenberg

After hurriedly hiding the stolen gun, he slipped stealthily topside to the radar bridge.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• front
• surface