Topical Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

Relating to current events or issues; can also mean something applied directly to a part of the body, especially in medicine.

Usage & Nuances

Two main uses: (1) Common in news and discussions for subjects that are relevant now (e.g., 'topical issue'); (2) In medicine, means applied to the surface, not to be confused with 'topic' (subject). Not used to describe people.

• Spanish: de actualidad - tópico (medicina)
• Portuguese (BR): atual - tópico (medicina)
• Portuguese (PT): atual - tópico (medicina)
• Chinese (Simplified): 时事的 - 局部的（医学）
• Chinese (Traditional): 時事的 - 局部的（醫學）
• Hindi: समसामयिक - त्वचा पर लगानेवाला (चिकित्सा)
• Arabic: حديث - موضعي (طبي)
• Bengali: সমসাময়িক - স্থানীয় প্রয়োগযোগ্য (ওষুধ)
• Russian: актуальный - местный (о лекарствах)
• Japanese: 時事の - 局所用の（医薬品）
• Vietnamese: thời sự - dùng ngoài da (y học)
• Korean: 시사적인 - 국소용의 (의학)
• Turkish: güncel - topikal (tıbbi, cilde uygulanan)
• Urdu: حالیہ - موضعی (ادویات کے لیے)
• Indonesian: aktual - topikal (medis, untuk kulit)

Example Sentences

This is a very topical subject in the news today.

basic

The doctor gave me a topical cream for my skin rash.

basic

Many people are interested in topical issues like climate change.

basic

Social media helps spread topical discussions very quickly.

natural

This ointment is for topical use only—don’t swallow it.

natural

Politicians like to talk about topical matters to get public attention.

natural