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
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.
Noun
Try adding them as breakfast toppings, pairing them with a savory lunch, or blending them into smoothies to help boost your strawberry consumption. Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025 From bowties to fettuccine, marinara to alfredo, kids get to explore a world of pasta shapes, sauces, and toppings in this interactive food song. Fiona Tapp, Parents, 8 May 2025
Adjective
Get The Recipe This riff on the classic casserole uses a sheet pan to maximize surface area, meaning more crunchy topping and less soupy filling. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 5 July 2024 Get The Recipe 13 of 25 Sheet Pan Squash Casserole This riff on the classic casserole uses a sheet pan to maximize surface area, meaning more crunchy topping and less soupy filling. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 5 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for topping

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Topping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/topping. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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

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