topsy-turvy
Americanadverb
-
with the top where the bottom should be; upside down.
-
in or into a reversed condition or order.
-
in or into a state of confusion or disorder.
adjective
-
turned upside down; inverted; reversed.
a topsy-turvy reflection.
-
confused or disorderly.
a topsy-turvy classroom.
noun
plural
topsy-turvies-
inversion of the natural order.
-
a state of confusion or disorder.
adjective
-
upside down
-
in a state of confusion
adverb
noun
Other Word Forms
- topsy-turvily adverb
- topsyturviness noun
Etymology
Origin of topsy-turvy
1520–30; perhaps variant of top syd turvye topside down (with loss of d before t ); turvy, variant of tervy, equivalent to obsolete terve to turn over (cognate with Old High German zerben ) + -y 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When the world is topsy-turvy, the theatergoing public seeks explanations.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
In a moment of less acute emergency, there are good reasons to fix that topsy-turvy situation.
From Slate • Feb. 4, 2026
In a topsy-turvy opening set, the six-time major champion Alcaraz raced into a 3-0 lead, only for De Minaur to rattle off three games in a row for 3-3, to roars of approval.
From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026
The topsy-turvy path to Friday’s quiet close reminded investors of the many forces that have made markets’ record-breaking run in recent months feel more like a high-wire act.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026
“I saw something I liked this morning, and I meant to tell it at dinner, but I forgot,” said Beth, putting Jo’s topsy-turvy basket in order as she talked.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
