topknot

noun

top·​knot ˈtäp-ˌnät 

plural topknots

1

: an ornament (such as a knot of ribbons or a pompom) forming a headdress or worn as part of a coiffure

2

: an arrangement of hair high on the head and usually in a knot

The dome light lit the inside of the car like a shadow box, but the car was packed with bags nearly to the ceiling and Mrs. Richardson could only just make out the faint silhouette of Mia's head, the messy topknot perched at the crown of her head.

—Celeste Ng

3

: a crest of feathers or tuft of hair on the top of the head

Examples of topknot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As it’s turned upright, there’s a gasp at the sight of a round mass on the back, reminiscent of a Buddha’s characteristic topknot hairstyle. —Jo Marchant, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2024

During Friday’s plea hearing, Sandoval, who was wearing a blue jail uniform with his hair in a topknot, replied to questions from Kannmacher in the affirmative. —Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 17 May 2024

Long bobs and blowouts, hazy cat eyes and peachy pink lips, topknots, and Old Hollywood waves—Kidman has sampled nearly every classic hair and makeup note. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2024

Appearance, Range, and Habitat Like the California quail, with which it can be easily confused, both male and female gambel’s quail sport topknots. —Phil Bourjaily, Field & Stream, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1688, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

topknot

noun

top·​knot ˈtäp-ˌnät 

: a tuft of feathers or hair on the top of the head