topping

noun top·ping \ ˈtä-piŋ \

|Updated on: 8 Aug 2018

Definition of topping

1 : something that forms a top; especially : a garnish (such as a sauce, bread crumbs, or whipped cream) placed on top of a food for flavor or decoration

2 : the action of one that tops

3 : something removed by topping

See topping defined for English-language learners

See topping defined for kids

Examples of topping in a Sentence

What toppings do you want on the pizza?
an ice-cream sundae with whipped-cream topping

Recent Examples of topping from the Web

Prices: Sandwiches, $3.25-$6.25; toppings on Italian beef sandwiches, $.80-$.90; nachos, $4.75; chips and popcorn, $1-$2.

— myrna petlicki, Lake County News-Sun, "Guide to outdoor dining in Chicago suburbs: Dockside Dogs in Waukegan," 10 July 2018
They’re sandwiched between either fresh-baked cookies, brownies or doughnuts, plus toppings, then warmed up in a hot press.

— pam kragen, sandiegouniontribune.com, "22 San Diego ice cream shops where you can cool off on this very hot day," 6 July 2018
Sweet cippolini onions and softly roasted peppers serve as toppings for this generally satisfying compilation.

— lindsey mcclave, The Courier-Journal, "Spanish flavors are bold (but imperfect) at this Louisville restaurant," 27 June 2018
Fill your summer with treats from these Connecticut sweet spots, featuring farm-fresh ingredients, crazy flavors and decadent toppings.

— leeanne griffin, courant.com, "25-Plus Popular Ice Cream Spots In Connecticut," 21 May 2018
The twist on coleslaw along with the addition of a pizza oven and unique toppings — including goat cheese, ground lamb, rosemary, fig jam and fennel — exemplify the Ridings’ philosophy.

— vickie snow jurkowski, Daily Southtown, "Trail's Edge Brewing Company offers full menu, lots of craft beer options in downtown Frankfort," 16 May 2018
In Singapore, mee pok is served al dente with a variety of seafood and meat toppings.

— brea salim, San Francisco Chronicle, "Tenderloin destination Hai Ky Mi Gia captures multiple immigrant identities," 7 May 2018
In their case, sauce is applied near the end of the cooking process to create something that comes much closer to candy topping than sauce.

— andy staples, SI.com, "The Chaos and Consequences of the BCS, 20 Years After Its Inaugural Season," 9 July 2018
Five Guys specializes in doubles with two thin cooked-to-order patties, with juicy results, and showcases a vast array of free optional toppings.

— larry olmsted, USA TODAY, "America’s unique burger styles, and where to try them," 4 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'topping.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of topping

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

topping

adjective

Definition of topping

1 : highest in rank or eminence

2 New England : proud, arrogant

3 chiefly British : excellent

Examples of topping in a Sentence

I know a topping new pub in Southwark where we won't run into any toffs.

First Known Use of topping

circa 1685

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

TOPPING Defined for English Language Learners

topping

noun

Definition of topping for English Language Learners

: a food that is added to the top of another food

Learn More about topping

See words that rhyme with topping Nglish: Translation of topping for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of topping for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up topping? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

topping

Definition of topping

Examples of topping in a Sentence

Recent Examples of topping from the Web

First Known Use of topping

topping

Definition of topping

Examples of topping in a Sentence

First Known Use of topping

TOPPING Defined for English Language Learners

topping

Definition of topping for English Language Learners

Learn More about topping

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

thwart

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

9 Words for Places People Call "Home"

'Banana Republic': A History

The Many Plurals of 'Octopus'

Words We're Watching: 'Low-key'

Ask the Editors

Ghost Word

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

The Eponym Quiz

Semantic Drift Quiz

Spell It

SCRABBLE® Sprint

9 Words for Places People Call "Home"

Trending: Brennan: Trump's Claims are 'Hogwash'

'Banana Republic': A History

The Eponym Quiz

Ghost Word

topping

Definition of topping

Examples of topping in a Sentence

Recent Examples of topping from the Web

First Known Use of topping

topping

Definition of topping

Examples of topping in a Sentence

First Known Use of topping

TOPPING Defined for English Language Learners

topping

Definition of topping for English Language Learners

Learn More about topping

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

9 Words for Places People Call "Home"

Trending: Brennan: Trump's Claims are 'Hogwash'

'Banana Republic': A History

The Eponym Quiz

Ghost Word