1
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
3
a(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
4
a
: the part that is nearest in space or time to the source or beginning
b
: the first half of an inning in baseball
5
7
a
: 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
topped; topping
1
2
a
: 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
Paula Rodenas3
: to remove or cut the top of
especially
: to shorten or remove the top of (a plant) : pinch sense 1b
5
: to strike (a ball) above the center thereby imparting topspin
1
: to make an end, finish, or conclusion
2
: to reach a summit or crest
—usually used with off or out
: 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
variants
or topo-
1
: place : locality
topology
toponymy
2
: topology
topoisomerase
Phrases
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.
Jerome Beatty, Jr.1
a
: in control of
acted like a man on top of his job—Newsweek
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
: in a position of eminent success, happiness, or fame
: beyond the bounds of what is expected, usual, normal, or appropriate
Synonyms
Examples of top in a Sentence
Noun (1)
make sure the top is on the blender before you turn it on or you'll make a mess
a hawk's nest at the very top of the tree
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!
Recent Examples on the WebRaven Smith, Vogue, 3 May 2024
She is also fascinated by birds and loves to birdwatch through the window from her perch on the very top of the cat tree.
—The Arizona Republic, 3 May 2024
Year-round destinations were at the top of their list for opening a second location, and the Moellers considered Cedarburg, Lake Geneva and Green Bay.
—Kristine M. Kierzek, Journal Sentinel, 3 May 2024
The Asian market, and China in particular, has been important for high-end single malts over the years, but baiju remains at the top of the booze chain based on sales volume alone.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 May 2024
Spread Mousse over Cake: Pour Mousse over top of Cake in springform pan, and smooth the surface with a spatula.
—Micah A Leal, Southern Living, 3 May 2024
Minaj rocked denim jeans and a leopard-print top while the crowd went into a frenzy when Lauper appeared on the stage in a colorful blazer and lacy pants.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 2 May 2024
And that whole situation then got amplified on top by hedge fund activity that actually played on top.
—Melvin Backman, Quartz, 2 May 2024
The color starts with a vibrant coral at the base of each piece, before fading to more of a rosy flush at the top.
—Lauren Phillips, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2024
Miami Herald, 4 May 2024
While reform-minded sheriffs and district attorneys have won in major metro areas in recent years, O.C.’s top lawmen are proudly regressive Republicans — and voters love it.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2024
Medina, who is 27 and transgender, said reproductive care, along with LGBTQ rights and climate justice, are top of mind.
—Jeongyoon Han, NPR, 4 May 2024
At Trinity College Dublin, university officials restricted access to campus and a top tourist attraction on Saturday in response to the protest that launched Friday, demanding the school cut academic and financial ties with Israel.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 4 May 2024
Three teams move into the Premier League from the level below each year: the top two finishers and the winner of a tournament involving the next four.
—Bruce Schoenfeld Robert Fass Anna Diamond David Mason, New York Times, 4 May 2024
In 2020, Kaplan noticed that 12 of the 30 NBA teams were helmed in one way or another — whether coach, general manager or top executive — by a Division III alumnus.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2024
Court records show a chain of emails written by both rank-and-file workers and at least one top official raising concerns even before the work began.
—Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2024
Some of the world’s top athletes are also eschewing Paris, and the traditional stay at the athletes’ village, for a château stay.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 3 May 2024
Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 May 2024
Since 2021, she’s also been engaged in the unusual practice of re-recording all of her early albums in response to not being able to own the masters, with Fearless (Taylor’s Version) and Red (Taylor’s Version) both topping the charts last year.
—Al Shipley, SPIN, 5 May 2024
Many Americans have benefited because typical pay increases have topped inflation the past year, giving them more purchasing power.
—Rick Barrett, Journal Sentinel, 3 May 2024
Many Americans, meanwhile, are benefiting because typical pay increases have topped inflation the past year, giving them more purchasing power.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 3 May 2024
The junior did just that, first stopping Valley Center 10-1 and then topping Escondido 6-1 without yielding a hit.
—Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2024
Wondering what’s topping Victoria Beckham’s spring shopping list?
—Vogue, 23 Apr. 2024
Among hotels, Hilton led the list, topping IHG and Hyatt.
—Chris Morris, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2024
One final note: Though the year is still young, this is the first calendar year in which three collaborative albums have topped the Billboard 200.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 23 Apr. 2024
Noun
Martha soon exists on the periphery of Donny’s existence day in and day out—in the pub, at the bus top, on his daily commute.
—Raven Smith, Vogue, 3 May 2024
She is also fascinated by birds and loves to birdwatch through the window from her perch on the very top of the cat tree.
—The Arizona Republic, 3 May 2024
Year-round destinations were at the top of their list for opening a second location, and the Moellers considered Cedarburg, Lake Geneva and Green Bay.
—Kristine M. Kierzek, Journal Sentinel, 3 May 2024
The Asian market, and China in particular, has been important for high-end single malts over the years, but baiju remains at the top of the booze chain based on sales volume alone.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 May 2024
Spread Mousse over Cake: Pour Mousse over top of Cake in springform pan, and smooth the surface with a spatula.
—Micah A Leal, Southern Living, 3 May 2024
Minaj rocked denim jeans and a leopard-print top while the crowd went into a frenzy when Lauper appeared on the stage in a colorful blazer and lacy pants.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 2 May 2024
And that whole situation then got amplified on top by hedge fund activity that actually played on top.
—Melvin Backman, Quartz, 2 May 2024
The color starts with a vibrant coral at the base of each piece, before fading to more of a rosy flush at the top.
—Lauren Phillips, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2024
Adjective
The second baseman, who won an American League batting title for the Minnesota Twins in 2022 before a trade to Miami, was the Marlins’ top hitter this season with a .299 average.
—Miami Herald, 4 May 2024
While reform-minded sheriffs and district attorneys have won in major metro areas in recent years, O.C.’s top lawmen are proudly regressive Republicans — and voters love it.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2024
Medina, who is 27 and transgender, said reproductive care, along with LGBTQ rights and climate justice, are top of mind.
—Jeongyoon Han, NPR, 4 May 2024
At Trinity College Dublin, university officials restricted access to campus and a top tourist attraction on Saturday in response to the protest that launched Friday, demanding the school cut academic and financial ties with Israel.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 4 May 2024
Three teams move into the Premier League from the level below each year: the top two finishers and the winner of a tournament involving the next four.
—Bruce Schoenfeld Robert Fass Anna Diamond David Mason, New York Times, 4 May 2024
In 2020, Kaplan noticed that 12 of the 30 NBA teams were helmed in one way or another — whether coach, general manager or top executive — by a Division III alumnus.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2024
Court records show a chain of emails written by both rank-and-file workers and at least one top official raising concerns even before the work began.
—Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 2024
Some of the world’s top athletes are also eschewing Paris, and the traditional stay at the athletes’ village, for a château stay.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 3 May 2024
Verb
Today, yields are hovering near 4.5% after topping 4.7% late last month.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 May 2024
Since 2021, she’s also been engaged in the unusual practice of re-recording all of her early albums in response to not being able to own the masters, with Fearless (Taylor’s Version) and Red (Taylor’s Version) both topping the charts last year.
—Al Shipley, SPIN, 5 May 2024
Many Americans have benefited because typical pay increases have topped inflation the past year, giving them more purchasing power.
—Rick Barrett, Journal Sentinel, 3 May 2024
Many Americans, meanwhile, are benefiting because typical pay increases have topped inflation the past year, giving them more purchasing power.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 3 May 2024
The junior did just that, first stopping Valley Center 10-1 and then topping Escondido 6-1 without yielding a hit.
—Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 May 2024
Wondering what’s topping Victoria Beckham’s spring shopping list?
—Vogue, 23 Apr. 2024
Among hotels, Hilton led the list, topping IHG and Hyatt.
—Chris Morris, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2024
One final note: Though the year is still young, this is the first calendar year in which three collaborative albums have topped the Billboard 200.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 23 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'top.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near top
Cite this Entry
“Top.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top. Accessed 10 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
top
1 of 4 noun1
a
: the highest point, level, or part of something
the top of the hill
sang at the top of her voice
b
: the upper end, edge, or surface
the top of the page
filled the glass to the top
c
: the stalk and leaves of a plant and especially one with edible roots
beet tops
2
: an upper piece, lid, or covering
blouses, shirts, and tops
put the top on the jar
3
: the highest position
reached the top of the profession
top
2 of 4 verb
topped; topping
1
: to remove or cut the top of
top a tree
2
: to cover with a top or on the top
topped the sundae with nuts
3
: to be better than
4
: to go over the top of
5
: to hit the top part of
top a golf ball
top
3 of 4 adjective
: of, relating to, or being at the top
top
4 of 4 noun
: a child's toy that has a point on which it can be made to spin
Etymology
Noun
Old English top "highest point"
Noun
Old English top "a spinning toy"
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