First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1top
noun \ˈtäp\
Definition of TOP
1
a (1) : the highest point, level, or part of something : summit, crown (2) : the head or top of the head —used especially in the phrase top to toe (3) : the head of a plant; especially : the aboveground part of a plant having edible roots <beet tops> (4) : a garment worn on the upper body 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 : 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
4
5
a : the part that is nearest in space or time to the source or beginning b : the first half of an inning in baseball
6
a (1) : the highest position (as in rank or achievement) (2) : a person or thing at the top b plural : aces and kings in a hand or the three highest honors in a suit
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 \ˈtäpt\ adjective
— 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.>
— on top of
1
a : in control of <acted like a man on top of his job — 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
— on top of the world
: in a position of eminent success, happiness, or fame
— over the top
: beyond the bounds of what is expected, usual, normal, or appropriate
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Origin of TOP
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German zopf tip, tuft of hair
2top
verb
: to be or become more than (a particular amount)
: to be in the highest position on (a list) because of success
: to do or be better than (someone or something)
toppedtop·ping
Full Definition of TOP
transitive verb
1
: to remove or cut the top of; especially : to shorten or remove the top of (a plant) : pinch 1b
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 (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>
3
5
: to strike (a ball) above the center thereby imparting topspin
intransitive verb
1
: to make an end, finish, or conclusion
2
: to reach a summit or crest —usually used with off or out
See top defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TOP
1509
3top
adjective
: located at the highest part or position
: highest in rank, success, or importance
: highest in quality, amount, or degree
Full Definition of TOP
1
: of, relating to, or being at the top : uppermost
3
: of the highest quality, amount, or degree <top value> <top form>
See top defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TOP
1556
Related to TOP
- Antonyms
- bottommost, lowermost, lowest, nethermost, rock-bottom, undermost
4top
noun
Definition of TOP
: 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
Origin of TOP
Middle English, from Old English
First Known Use: 14th century
TOP- Defined for Kids
1top
noun \ˈtäp\
Definition of TOP for Kids
1
: the highest point, level, or part of something <the top of the hill>
2
: the upper end, edge, or surface <The glass was filled to the top.>
3
: an upper piece, lid, or covering <Put the top on the jar.>
4
: the highest position <She ranks at the top of her class.>
5
: a garment worn on the upper part of the body
6
: the stalk and leaves of a plant and especially of one with roots that are used for food <beet tops>
2top
verb
toppedtop·ping
Definition of TOP for Kids
1
: to cover with or be covered with <ice cream topped with chocolate sauce>
2
: to go over the top of <After topping the hill we needed a rest.>
3
: to be better than or exceed <Some odd things have happened, but this tops all.>
4
: to remove or cut the top of <Workers topped the tree.>
3top
adjective
Definition of TOP for Kids
: relating to or being at the top <top students>
4top
noun
Definition of TOP for Kids
: a child's toy with a tapering point on which it can be made to spin
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