topside

[ top-sahyd ]

noun

1. the upper side.
2. Usually topsides. Nautical. 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. Compare silverside ²( def ).
5. British. the top tops 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 topsides. up on the deck:

   He left the engine room and went topside.

2. to, toward, or at the topside.

topside

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of topside¹

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

Example Sentences

“I played a very small piece in a large puzzle,” said Carden, attributing the success to “the guys topside and guys on the bottom who helped make it happen.”

From Seattle Times

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

From Washington Times

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

From Seattle Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Topside, where drenching rain and mood mist envelop the superstructure during the many night scenes where the vessel wallows in churning seas, anxious faces seen in close-up peer fearfully about until — too late, always too late — they turn around and behold … well, you know.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• front
• surface