topside

1 of 2

adverb or adjective

1
: to or on the top or surface
2
: in a position of authority
3
: on deck

topside

2 of 2

noun

1
topsides plural : the top portion of the outer surface of a ship on each side above the waterline
2
: the highest level of authority
3
: the upper portion of the ionosphere

Examples of topside in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adverb or adjective
The intention was to keep you all engaged, to ensure the game always felt fresh, and to give you reasons to keep braving topside. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026 That’s why this show, set on a yacht, sees four couples living lavishly topside — and the rest of the singles below deck, cleaning up after the others. — Emily Longeretta, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
It is made up of topside facilities that weigh roughly 2,078 US tons (1,885 metric tons) and a supporting jacket structure of another 1,935 US tons (1,755 metric tons). — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026 As is the case with other underwater drones/small ROVs, the BentiX is connected to a communications cable that runs from it to a topside joystick remote control unit (wireless radio signals do not travel well through water). — New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for topside

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb Or Adjective

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of topside was in 1752

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Topside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topside. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

topside

adverb
top·​side
ˈtäp-ˈsīd
: on or onto the deck of a ship
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!