Library / English Dictionary

TOPSY-TURVY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (adjective) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

In utter disorder

Example:

a disorderly pile of clothes

Synonyms:

disorderly; higgledy-piggledy; hugger-mugger; jumbled; topsy-turvy

Classified under:

Adjectives

Similar:

untidy (not neat and tidy)

Derivation:

topsy-turvyness (a state of extreme confusion and disorder)

 II. (adverb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

In disorderly haste

Example:

we ran head over heels toward the shelter

Synonyms:

head over heels; heels over head; in great confusion; topsy-turvily; topsy-turvy

Classified under:

Adverbs

Sense 2

Meaning:

In a disordered manner

Example:

they were piled up higgledy-piggledy

Synonyms:

higgledy-piggledy; topsy-turvy

Classified under:

Adverbs

Credits

 Context examples: 

I've a special interest in such young bears, and like to show them that I see the warm, honest, well-meaning boys' hearts, in spite of the clumsy arms and legs and the topsy-turvy heads.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)