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

Abrahamson was known by fellow Legion members to frequent Cactus Petes Resort Casino in Jackpot, Nevada, and had a top-tier gambling loyalty card there, Bob Skinner, Idaho American Legion national executive committeeman, previously told the Statesman. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 16 Dec. 2025

Guests who stay at three of Universal’s top-tier hotels get free Universal Express passes, which dramatically cut waits at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025

This Sephora Favorites Holiday Perfume Sampler Set features a plush pink storage bag stuffed with mini vials from Tom Ford, Prada, Jo Malone London, and tons more top-tier fragrance brands. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 14 Dec. 2025

The latest example of this is the new Remus Gatsby Reserve, MGP’s annual top-tier bourbon that continues to stand out in a very crowded field. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above