1
: controlled, directed, or instituted from the top level
a top-down corporate structure
2
: proceeding by breaking large general aspects (as of a problem) into smaller more detailed constituents : working from the general to the specific
top-down programming
top-down design

Examples of top-down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And in some cases, CEOs have less authority, as flatter organizations emphasize collaboration over top-down decision-making. Editorial, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026 Success requires both top-down commitment and bottom-up enablement. Ruba Borno, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026 And in some cases, CEOs have less authority, as flatter organizations emphasize collaboration over top-down decision-making. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026 A little tiering goes a long way in any space, giving it dimension, shape, and a top-down design approach. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for top-down

Word History

Etymology

from the phrase from the top down

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of top-down was in 1930

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Top-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top-down. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.

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