topside

American  

[top-sahyd] / ˈtɒpˌsaɪd /

noun

1. the upper side.

2. Nautical. Usually topsides. 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.

5. British. the top 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 topsides up on the deck.

   He left the engine room and went topside.

2. to, toward, or at the topside.

topside British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of topside

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

topside

Also, if a formal deal paves the way for Brent crude oil to “settle say nearer $80 a barrel, Australian dollar can see more topside, towards US$0.7100,” the head of FX strategy says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 15, 2026

With everybody back Stateside and topside, save for Max’s consciousness, the band is gearing up for one last stand on the cliffs of Hell.

From Salon ● Nov. 24, 2025

He went topside to see the USS Utah capsizing and Japanese planes in the air.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 6, 2023

The video, also shared to his Instagram, concludes with Smith going topside and taking in the ocean views.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2023

On one wall, flashers and safety overrides blinked to indicate that there were electric malfunctions and topside failures, probably from having the conning deck go under.

From "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi

Related Words

• front
• surface