# topical

/ˈtɑpəkəɫ/ (US) · /tˈɒpɪkəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/topical
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. current events

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to things that are happening in the news or are of interest right now.

For teachers: relating to or of current interest; relevant to contemporary events or subjects.

- The comedian's jokes were very topical and mentioned the election from last night.
- The documentary was praised for its topical approach to the housing crisis, addressing issues that had dominated the headlines all week.

### 2. applied to the skin

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

applied directly to a part of the body, especially the skin, rather than being swallowed.

For teachers: relating to or applied directly to a localized part of the body, typically the skin or mucous membranes.

- You should use a topical cream to treat that small rash on your arm.
- The physician prescribed a topical antibiotic to treat the localized infection without affecting the patient's entire system.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

### 3. arranged by subject

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

organized according to specific subjects or themes.

For teachers: arranged according to topics or themes rather than chronologically or alphabetically.

- The library has a topical index to help you find books about different hobbies.
- The researcher organized the data into a topical framework, allowing for a clearer comparison between different social groups.

### 4. a medical cream

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a medicine, such as a cream or gel, that you put on your skin.

For teachers: a medication or substance designed for external application to a specific area of the body.

- The doctor recommended an over-the-counter topical for the itch.
- While oral medications are effective, a topical is often preferred for minor skin irritations to minimize potential side effects.

## Examples

- You should apply this topical cream twice a day.
- The doctor prescribed a topical ointment to treat the rash without affecting the rest of the patient's system.
- While the speaker's anecdotes were certainly topical and engaged the audience's interest in current events, the core of the lecture remained focused on historical precedents.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.