top-shelf

adjective

ˈtäp-ˈshelf 

1

: of the best quality

top-shelf products

Reading does have one top-shelf tourist attraction, a gorgeous pagoda that sits atop a mountain.

—Joe Queenan

2

[from the placement of sexually explicit magazines for sale on high shelves out of the reach of children] British : containing pornographic material

top-shelf magazines

This year, retailers are going to come under increased pressure to clean up their acts. Of course, they're not obliged to sell top-shelf mags.

—The Grocer

Synonyms

• excellent
• terrific
• superb
• wonderful
• stellar
• great
• awesome
• lovely
• beautiful
• fabulous
• fantastic
• prime
• marvellous
• marvelous
• fine
• quality
• hot
• classic

Examples of top-shelf in a Sentence

hoping to impress the new neighbors, she brought a top-shelf wine as a housewarming gift

Recent Examples on the Web

But, Forbes’ Richard Nieva writes, for those who work in the tech industry that don’t have top-shelf skills, the job market is becoming increasingly depressing. —Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025

If location, location, location is the mantra of the real estate industry, the former Ramada site is a top-shelf realty spot. —Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2025

Not talking an exceptionally high level; not the top-shelf stuff. —Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 14 July 2025

Stevens appreciates Anfernee Simons’ offensive game and top-shelf 3-point shooting, and Georges Niang’s track record of contributing on successful teams. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 14 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for top-shelf

• bookshelf
• herself
• himself
• hisself
• itself
• meself
• myself
• nonself
• oneself
• thyself
• yourself
• elf