topping

1 of 2

noun

top·​ping ˈtä-piŋ How to pronounce topping (audio)
1
: something that forms a top
especially : a garnish (such as a sauce, bread crumbs, or whipped cream) placed on top of a food for flavor or decoration
2
: the action of one that tops
3
: something removed by topping

topping

2 of 2

adjective

1
: highest in rank or eminence
2
New England : proud, arrogant
3
chiefly British : excellent

Examples of topping in a Sentence

Noun What toppings do you want on the pizza? an ice-cream sundae with whipped-cream topping Adjective I know a topping new pub in Southwark where we won't run into any toffs.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
At a recent Pizzeria Sei test tasting, toppings ranged from California-roll-inspired to decadent potato and caviar to silky Wagyu beef tongue. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2024 Blended with coconut milk and spices, the nuts serve as the tart’s binding agent, rather than its topping. Hannah Whitaker, The New Yorker, 22 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for topping 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'topping.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1691, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of topping was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near topping

Cite this Entry

“Topping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topping. Accessed 3 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

topping

noun
top·​ping
ˈtäp-iŋ
: a food served on top of another to make it look or taste better

More from Merriam-Webster on topping

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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