top-tier

adjective

ˈtäp-ˈtir 

: of the highest level or rank with regard to quality, reputation, or importance

Top-tier wines are the result of artisanal production techniques that demand rigorous attention to detail and, on occasion, financial sacrifice.

—Daniel Sogg

In general, the top-tier schools measure their success by the salaries that their graduates earn …

—Peter Baida

… leave fellow Republicans open to attack on what's shaping up as a top-tier issue in the 2008 elections.

—Mark Hertsgaard

Yes, this Kansas team is loaded with top-tier talent …

—Joe Posnanski

Kemp's first objective, his handlers said, was to establish himself as a top-tier contender.

—Lucy Howard>

Examples of top-tier in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ultimately, mastering this approach not only enhances your sales performance but positions your company among the industry's top-tier, significantly easing future recruitment and fueling sustainable growth. —Ryan Hohman, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

Kurt's key takeaways Aerie is blending high-end living with advanced wellness and top-tier security. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025

Adding a top-tier center would be a wise decision if the right option is available. —Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025

Their client list spans top-tier studios, streamers, game developers, experiential designers, and innovation teams across film, television, gaming, theme parks, advertising, and industrial design. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above