top dog
noun
: 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
Fans who missed seeing who became the top dog of both contests can check out replays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. PT on Friday.
—
Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 4 July 2025
The event is a qualifier for the top dogs to earn a trip to the national finals in St. Louis, Missouri.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 21 June 2025
Cheesy Garlic Bread won in 2012, Kettle-Cooked Wasabi Ginger took the cake in 2014, Southern Biscuits and Gravy was crowned in 2015 and Crispy Taco was the top dog in 2017.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 17 June 2025
Whereas in 2023, the previous instalment in the Mission: Impossible franchise, Dead Reckoning, had to take third place behind Oppenheimer and Barbie, in the hunt (pun intended) for IMAX slots, this time, Mr. Cruise has done everything possible to ensure that The Final Reckoning will be top dog.
—Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
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Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 4 July 2025
The event is a qualifier for the top dogs to earn a trip to the national finals in St. Louis, Missouri.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 21 June 2025
Cheesy Garlic Bread won in 2012, Kettle-Cooked Wasabi Ginger took the cake in 2014, Southern Biscuits and Gravy was crowned in 2015 and Crispy Taco was the top dog in 2017.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 17 June 2025
Whereas in 2023, the previous instalment in the Mission: Impossible franchise, Dead Reckoning, had to take third place behind Oppenheimer and Barbie, in the hunt (pun intended) for IMAX slots, this time, Mr. Cruise has done everything possible to ensure that The Final Reckoning will be top dog.
—Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for top dog
Cite this Entry
“Top dog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top%20dog. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.
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