top

noun (1)

\ˈtäp

Definition of top

(Entry 1 of 5)

1a(1) : the highest point, level, or part of something : summit, crown

(2) : a garment worn on the upper body

(3) : the head of a plant especially : the aboveground part of a plant having edible roots beet tops

(4) : the head or top of the head —used especially in the phrase top to toe

b(1) : the highest or uppermost region or part

(2) : the upper end, edge, or surface

2 : a fitted, integral, or attached part or unit serving as an upper piece, lid, or covering

3a(1) : the highest position (as in rank or achievement)

(2) : a person or thing at the top

b tops plural : aces and kings in a hand or the three highest honors in a suit

4a : the part that is nearest in space or time to the source or beginning

b : the first half of an inning in baseball

5a : the highest degree or pitch conceivable or attained : acme, pinnacle

b : the loudest or highest range of a sound

6 : the choicest part : cream, pick

7a : a platform surrounding the head of a lower mast that serves to spread the topmast rigging, strengthen the mast, and furnish a standing place for men aloft

b : a comparable part of the superstructure especially : such a part on a warship used as a fire-control station or antiaircraft gun platform

8 : a forward spin given to a ball (as in golf or billiards) by striking it on or near the top or above the center also : the stroke so given

9 : a fundamental quark that has an electric charge of + 2/3 and a measured energy of approximately 175 GeV also : the flavor characterizing this particle

off the top of one's head

: in an impromptu manner sat down and wrote the … story off the top of his head— Jerome Beatty, Jr.

on top of

1a : in control of acted like a man on top of his job — Newsweek

b : informed about tried to keep on top of new developments

2 : in sudden and unexpected proximity to the deadline was on top of them

3 : in addition to

on top of the world

: in a position of eminent success, happiness, or fame

over the top

: beyond the bounds of what is expected, usual, normal, or appropriate

top

adjective

Definition of top (Entry 2 of 5)

1 : of, relating to, or being at the top : uppermost

2 : chief, leading one of the world's top journalists

3 : of the highest quality, amount, or degree top value top form

top

verb

topped; topping

Definition of top (Entry 3 of 5)

transitive verb

1a : to be or become higher than : overtop tops the previous record

b : to be superior to : excel, surpass

c : to gain ascendancy over : dominate

2a : to cover with a top or on the top : provide, form, or serve as a top for

b : to supply with a decorative or protective finish or final touch

c : to resupply or refill to capacity —usually used with off topped off the tank

d : to complete the basic structure of (something, such as a high-rise building) by putting on a cap or uppermost section —usually used with out or off

e : to bring to an end or climax —usually used with off the event was topped off with a relay race— Paula Rodenas

3 : to remove or cut the top of especially : to shorten or remove the top of (a plant) : pinch sense 1b

4a : to rise to, reach, or be at the top of

b : to go over the top of : clear, surmount

5 : to strike (a ball) above the center thereby imparting topspin

intransitive verb

1 : to make an end, finish, or conclusion

2 : to reach a summit or crest —usually used with off or out

top

noun (2)

Definition of top (Entry 4 of 5)

: a commonly cylindrical or conoidal device that has a tapering point on which it is made to spin and that is used especially as a toy

top-

combining form

variants: or topo-

Definition of top- (Entry 5 of 5)

1 : place : locality topology toponymy

2 : topology topoisomerase

Other Words from top Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about top

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Examples of top in a Sentence

Adjective

They live on the top floor of the building. the top news story of the day the country's top three car manufacturers He is among the top pitchers of the league. Safety is our top concern. The winner showed top form. Houses are selling at top prices. What is the car's top speed?

Verb

Donations are expected to top $1,000,000 by the end of the month. The song has topped the charts for seven weeks. They topped the other company's offer. She tops everyone else on the team. I've seen some pretty weird things in my life—but that tops everything!