plural tops
1
: the highest part, point, or level of something
The tops of the walls are painted and the bottoms are covered in wood paneling.
—usually singularHe was calling down from the top of the stairs.
Please write your name on the top of the page.
She climbed to the top of the mountain.
She had a scratch on the top of her foot.
He filled the glass to the top.
2
: an upper surface or edge of something
a table with a glass top
3
: something that covers the upper part or opening of something
I'm looking for a pen with a red top. [=cap]
She took the top [=lid] off the jar.
The box's top had been removed.
I hate it when you leave the top off the toothpaste!
4
: the highest position in rank, success, or importance
He is at the top of his profession.
The company's new CEO started at the bottom and worked her way to the top.
employees at the top of the pay scale
The team is at the top of the league.
He graduated at the top of his/the class. [=his grades were among the highest in his class]
The order came straight from the top. [=from the person with the most authority or power]
Studying for the test is on the top of my list. [=it is the first and most important thing that I need to do]
5
: a piece of clothing that is worn on the upper part of your body
She was wearing a blue silk top and black pants.
a bikini top
6
informal
: the beginning
We'll have another news update for you at the top of the hour. [=at the start of the next hour]
Let's rehearse the scene from the top.
OK, everybody. Let's take it from the top. [=start from the beginning of a scene, song, etc.]
7
: the first half of an inning in baseball
the top of the sixth inning
8
chiefly British
: the part of something (such as a street) that is farthest away
Try the shop at the top of the road.
9
chiefly British
: the highest gear of a vehicle
She shifted into top once she got on the highway.
usually used before a noun
1
: located at the highest part or position
the top drawer/shelf
They live on the top floor of the building.
That's my husband in the top [=upper] right-hand corner of the picture.
2
: highest in rank, success, or importance
the top news story of the day
the country's top three car manufacturers
He is among the top pitchers of the league.
She is the top student in her class. = (chiefly Brit) She is top in her class.
Safety is our top concern/priority.
3
: highest in quality, amount, or degree
The winner showed top form.
Houses are selling at top prices.
What is the car's top speed?
plural tops
: a child's toy that can be made to spin very quickly
spinning like a top
tops; topped; topping
1
: to be or become more than (a particular amount)
Album sales have already topped [=exceeded] 500,000.
Donations are expected to top $1,000,000 by the end of the month.
2
: to be in the highest position on (a list) because of success
The song has topped the charts for seven weeks.
Who tops the list this year for Hollywood's highest-paid actor? [=who is the highest-paid actor in Hollywood this year?]
3
: to do or be better than (someone or something)
He topped [=surpassed] his previous record.
They topped the other company's offer.
She tops everyone else on the team.
Being at the beach sure tops [=beats] working in the office.
I've seen some pretty weird things in my life—but that tops everything!
4
: to cover or form the top of (something)
A fresh layer of snow topped the mountains.
—often + withShe topped the pizza with cheese and mushrooms.
—often used as (be) toppeda cup of hot chocolate topped (off) with whip cream
The cathedral was topped (off/out) with a spire.
5
: to cut off the top of (something)
He topped the tree/carrots.
6
literary
: to reach the top of (something)
When we topped the hill, we saw a small village in the valley.
Cite this Entry
“Top.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/top. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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