top dollar

noun

: the highest amount being paid for a commodity or service
… willing to pay top dollar to get them …Dean Failey

Examples of top dollar 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.
The big four tech firms are paying top dollar for the components, resources and human talent that will make all that AI infrastructure possible. Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026 The big four tech firms are paying top dollar for the components, resources and human talent that will make all that AI infrastructure possible. Debby Wu, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026 Advertisers also shell out millions more to produce their spots, often paying top dollar for celebrity spokespeople and to promote their commercials ahead of the big game. CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026 The Panthers paid top dollar for Hunt and Moehrig at non-premium positions. Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for top dollar

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of top dollar was in 1895

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Cite this Entry

“Top dollar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top%20dollar. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

top dollar

noun
: the highest amount being paid for an article, product, or service
paid top dollar for the tickets
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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