top dog

noun

Synonyms of top dognext
: a person, group, or thing in a position of authority especially through victory in a hard-fought competition

Examples of top dog in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Canada has always been hockey's top dog, and to watch both of these American teams come away with wins — both with a final score of 2-1 in overtime — was marvelous. Pien Huang, NPR, 23 Feb. 2026 There is a new top dog in Corporate America. Diane Brady, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026 Law Murray has his latest rankings and a new top dog. Zach Harper, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2026 It is known for its darts, live music, and promotion of local artwork, and bills itself as Chicago's top dog-friendly bar. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for top dog

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of top dog was in 1900

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Cite this Entry

“Top dog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top%20dog. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

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