Definition of top–down
1 : controlled, directed, or instituted from the top level a top–down corporate structure
2 : proceeding by breaking large general aspects (as of a problem) into smaller more detailed constituents : working from the general to the specific top–down programming top–down design
From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of top–down
from the phrase from the top down
First Known Use: 1941
TOP–DOWN Defined for English Language Learners
top-down
play
adjective
Definition of top–down for English Language Learners
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: controlled or directed from the highest levels
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: starting with a general idea and having details gradually added
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