1
b(1)
: the highest or uppermost region or part
(2)
: the upper end, edge, or surface
2
: a fitted, integral, or attached part or unit serving as an upper piece, lid, or covering
3
a(1)
: the highest position (as in rank or achievement)
(2)
: a person or thing at the top
b
tops plural
: aces and kings in a hand or the three highest honors in a suit
4
a
: the part that is nearest in space or time to the source or beginning
b
: the first half of an inning in baseball
5
7
a
: a platform surrounding the head of a lower mast that serves to spread the topmast rigging, strengthen the mast, and furnish a standing place for men aloft
b
: a comparable part of the superstructure
especially
: such a part on a warship used as a fire-control station or antiaircraft gun platform
8
: a forward spin given to a ball (as in golf or billiards) by striking it on or near the top or above the center
also
: the stroke so given
9
: a fundamental quark that has an electric charge of + 2/3 and a measured energy of approximately 175 GeV
also
: the flavor characterizing this particle
topped; topping
1
2
a
: to cover with a top or on the top : provide, form, or serve as a top for
b
: to supply with a decorative or protective finish or final touch
c
: to resupply or refill to capacity
—usually used with off
topped off the tank
d
: to complete the basic structure of (something, such as a high-rise building) by putting on a cap or uppermost section
—usually used with out or off
e
: to bring to an end or climax
—usually used with off
the event was topped off with a relay race—
Paula Rodenas
Paula Rodenas3
: to remove or cut the top of
especially
: to shorten or remove the top of (a plant) : pinch sense 1b
5
: to strike (a ball) above the center thereby imparting topspin
1
: to make an end, finish, or conclusion
2
: to reach a summit or crest
—usually used with off or out
: a commonly cylindrical or conoidal device that has a tapering point on which it is made to spin and that is used especially as a toy
variants
or topo-
1
: place : locality
topology
toponymy
2
: topology
topoisomerase
Phrases
off the top of one's head
: in an impromptu manner
sat down and wrote the … story off the top of his head—Jerome Beatty, Jr.
Jerome Beatty, Jr.1
a
: in control of
acted like a man on top of his job—Newsweek
Newsweek
b
: informed about
tried to keep on top of new developments
2
: in sudden and unexpected proximity to
the deadline was on top of them
3
: in addition to
: in a position of eminent success, happiness, or fame
: beyond the bounds of what is expected, usual, normal, or appropriate
Synonyms
Examples of top in a Sentence
Adjective
They live on the top floor of the building.
the top news story of the day
the country's top three car manufacturers
He is among the top pitchers of the league.
Safety is our top concern.
The winner showed top form.
Houses are selling at top prices.
What is the car's top speed?
Verb
Donations are expected to top $1,000,000 by the end of the month.
The song has topped the charts for seven weeks.
They topped the other company's offer.
She tops everyone else on the team.
I've seen some pretty weird things in my life—but that tops everything!
Recent Examples on the WebLyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2024
With just under three minutes to play in the second quarter, Murray appeared to slip near the top of the arc and turned the ball over.
—Michael McGough, Sacramento Bee, 20 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for top 
Noun
The man who later died is suspected of slamming the other man to the ground and getting on top of him and punching him multiple times.
—Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Apr. 2024
With just under three minutes to play in the second quarter, Murray appeared to slip near the top of the arc and turned the ball over.
—Michael McGough, Sacramento Bee, 20 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for top
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'top.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near top
Cite this Entry
“Top.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
top
1 of 4 noun1
a
: the highest point, level, or part of something
the top of the hill
sang at the top of her voice
b
: the upper end, edge, or surface
the top of the page
filled the glass to the top
c
: the stalk and leaves of a plant and especially one with edible roots
beet tops
2
: an upper piece, lid, or covering
blouses, shirts, and tops
put the top on the jar
3
: the highest position
reached the top of the profession
top
2 of 4 verb
topped; topping
1
: to remove or cut the top of
top a tree
2
: to cover with a top or on the top
topped the sundae with nuts
3
: to be better than
4
: to go over the top of
5
: to hit the top part of
top a golf ball
top
3 of 4 adjective
: of, relating to, or being at the top
top
4 of 4 noun
: a child's toy that has a point on which it can be made to spin
Etymology
Noun
Old English top "highest point"
Noun
Old English top "a spinning toy"
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