Top
/tɒp/
Definitions
6 meaningsThe highest point or part; the summit.
/tɒp/
The highest or uppermost point of something.
The flag flew proudly at the top of the flagpole.
💡 Simply: Imagine a birthday cake. The top is where the frosting and candles are, and it’s the highest part! That’s what 'top' means here—the very highest spot.
👶 For kids: The top is the highest part, like the very tip of your head!
More Examples
He climbed to the top of the hill.
The cherry sat right on top of the ice cream sundae.
How It's Used
"The mountain's top was covered in snow."
"She reached the top of her game this year."
A lid, cover, or upper part of something.
/tɒp/
A lid or cover.
She replaced the top of the pen.
💡 Simply: Think of a box. The 'top' is the part that goes on to close it. It can be a lid or cover!
👶 For kids: The top is the cover, like the lid on a toy box!
More Examples
The top of the container was loose.
Be sure to screw the top on tightly.
How It's Used
"Can you put the top back on the jar?"
The best or most important part, level, or position.
/tɒp/
The best or most important part.
She reached the top of her profession.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're in a race, and the person who is in the 'top' position is the winner. It means the best or highest rank!
👶 For kids: The top is the best, like being the winner of a game!
More Examples
He's at the top of his class.
This is the top priority for the company.
How It's Used
"He is at the top of his field."
To be at the top of something, or be higher than.
/tɒp/
To be at the highest point of.
The Empire State Building tops all the surrounding buildings.
💡 Simply: Imagine a building sitting on a hill – it 'tops' the hill, meaning it is the highest point of it.
👶 For kids: When something is at the top, it 'tops' the others, like a tall tree topping the others in the forest!
More Examples
The sales figures topped last quarter's results.
The mountain range tops the valley.
How It's Used
"The building tops the hill."
To put something on the top of something else.
/tɒp/
To put something on top of.
I topped the cake with whipped cream.
💡 Simply: Like putting sprinkles on ice cream! You are 'topping' it when you put something on the highest layer or surface.
👶 For kids: To top something means to put something on the top, like when you add sprinkles on your ice cream!
More Examples
He topped the salad with croutons.
She topped her resume with her achievements.
How It's Used
"She topped the pizza with pepperoni."
Highest in rank, quality, or importance.
/tɒp/
Highest in position, rank, or importance.
He is a top executive at the company.
💡 Simply: If you're in the 'top' class, it means you are the best or most advanced, like in a school!
👶 For kids: The top is the best, like being at the top of the slide!
More Examples
This is a top-secret document.
She is a top athlete in the country.
How It's Used
"She is the top student in the class."
Synonyms
Apex
Crown
Peak
Summit
Cap
Cover
Lid
Best
Elite
Pinnacle
Dominate
Finish
Foremost
Leading
Primary
Idioms & expressions
top it off
To complete or finalize something, often with a final element or gesture.
"To top off the evening, we had a fantastic dessert."
top-notch
Of the highest quality; excellent.
"The restaurant offered top-notch service."
on top of
In addition to; besides.
"On top of the rent, you also have to pay for utilities."
From Middle English *toppe*, from Old English *topp* ('top, summit, head'). Related to Old Norse *toppr* and Dutch *top*.
The word 'top' has been used since the Old English period, originally referring to the highest part of something.