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” ( see topo-, -ic) + -al ¹

Explanation

When some information or news is current and of immediate interest, we say it is topical. This might be a news story or a bit of gossip, or just a subject that is of current importance. If it's "now," it's topical. There are several meanings of the word topical, but one clue can help you remember them all: that inside word "top." You often hear newscasters refer to the "top" stories of the day—they’re current, and that makes them topical. That same little word "top" can help you remember the medical meaning of topical: pertaining to the surface of the skin. A cream applied to the "top" of your skin is a topical medication. Remember that clue, and you'll be "tops" too.

Example Sentences

Earp led a new study examining whether a topical testosterone gel could help older women recovering from hip fractures when combined with exercise.

From Science Daily • May 7, 2026

It’s “global culture with a topical lens,” the museum says, but the focus is all over the place.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

In the time of the Iran war and headlines about oil prices, Sasraku's work is perhaps the most topical on this year's shortlist.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

It’s not just that the humor often feels too topical or reliant on pop culture, but that the culture it’s relying on is pandering to younger audiences.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

They are certainly an urban adaptation of the fundamental Karhidish institution of the Hearth, though lacking, of course, the topical and genealogical stability of the Hearth.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin

Related Words

• newsworthy