topical

American  

[top-i-kuhl] / ˈtɒp ɪ kəl /

adjective

1. relating to or dealing with matters of current or local interest.

   a topical reference.

2. relating to the subject of a discourse, composition, or the like.

3. relating to or in a particular place; local.

   The themes chosen for World Meteorological Day reflect topical weather, climate, or water-related issues.

4. Medicine/Medical. of, relating to, or applied externally to a particular part of the body; local.

   a topical anesthetic.

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noun

1. Philately. any of a collection of different stamps treating the same subject.

topical British  

/ ˈtɒpɪkəl, ˌtɒpɪˈkælɪtɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or constituting current affairs

2. relating to a particular place; local

3. of or relating to a topic or topics

4. (of a drug, ointment, etc) for application to the body surface; local

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Other Word Forms

• topicality noun
• topically adverb

Etymology

Origin of topical

First recorded in 1580–90; from Greek topik(ós) “local, pertaining to commonplaces” ( topo-, -ic ) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The Berlinale traditionally has a reputation for topical, progressive programming, but so far this year's edition has seen several stars shy away from taking a stance on the big political issues of the day.

From Barron's

Berlin is the first major international festival in the world's film calendar and has a reputation for topical and progressive programming.

From Barron's

“I just thought it was another piece of music I had written that followed my long career path of dealing with topical subjects. . .”

From Salon

To take a topical example of such selective reporting, consider how immigration has been covered of late.

From The Wall Street Journal

The issues in here are topical around the globe, yet it’s handy to go in knowing that Thailand has its own history of deadly crackdowns against liberal activists.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• newsworthy