From Middle English top, toppe, from Old English topp (“top, highest part; summit; crest; tassel, tuft; (spinning) top, ball; a tuft or ball at the highest point of anything”), from Proto-West Germanic *topp, from Proto-Germanic *tuppaz (“braid, pigtail, end”), of unknown ultimate origin. Compare typologically Latin apex (<< Proto-Indo-European *h₂ep- (“to join, attach, fasten, fit”)).
Cognate with Saterland Frisian Top (“top”), Cimbrian sòpf (“braid”), Dutch top (“top, summit, peak”), German Topp (“top of a mast”), Zopf (“braid, pigtail, plait, top”), Luxembourgish Zapp (“plait, tress”), Vilamovian cöp (“braid, plait”), Yiddish צאָפּ (tsop, “braid”), Danish top (“top”), Icelandic toppur (“top”), Norwegian Bokmål, Norwegian Nynorsk and Swedish topp (“top, peak, summit, tip”), Italian zuffa (“brawl”).
The sense of a spinning toy is separated from this, obscurely related to Dutch top and dop in this sense, against Standard Dutch tol, and French toupie having this sense.
Meanings
(not-comparable) Situated on the top of something.
(informal, not-comparable) Best; of the highest quality, fame or rank.
She's in the top dance school.
(informal, not-comparable) Very good, of high quality, power, or rank.
He's a top lawyer.
That is a top car.
In a thread called “Calm Before the Storm”, and in subsequent posts, Q established his legend as a government insider with top security clearance who knew the truth about a secret struggle for power involving Donald Trump, the “deep state”, Robert Mueller, the Clintons, pedophile rings, and other stuff. 2018 July 31, Julia Carrie Wong, “What is QAnon? Explaining the bizarre rightwing conspiracy theory”, in The Guardian:
(not-comparable) Relating to the chest or breasts.
es top (informal: best) · sk naj (informal: best) · grc ἄκρος (on the top) · es fénix (informal: best) · pt top (informal: best) · fr supérieur (on the top) · vi đứng đầu (on the top) · vi hàng đầu (informal: best) · nl top- (informal: best) · vi top (informal: best) · es de primera (informal: best) · sk top (informal: best) · fa درجه یک (informal: best) · la summus (on the top) · uk ве́рхній (on the top) · uk горі́шній (on the top) · uk найкра́щий (informal: best) · nb øverst (on the top) · de top (informal: best) · fi paras (informal: best) · mk на́јдобар (informal: best) · es superior (on the top) · ru топ- (informal: best) · mk на́јгорен (on the top) · uk найлі́пший (informal: best) · es máximo (informal: best) · ru лу́чший (informal: best) · vi hàng đầu (on the top) · fa تاپ (informal: best) · it superiore (on the top) · bg най-горен (on the top) · bg най-добър (informal: best) · fi huippu (informal: best) · sk vrchný (on the top) · es fontal (informal: best) · uk то́повий (informal: best) · pt superior (on the top) · pt top de linha (informal: best)
From Middle English top, toppe, from Old English topp (“top, highest part; summit; crest; tassel, tuft; (spinning) top, ball; a tuft or ball at the highest point of anything”), from Proto-West Germanic *topp, from Proto-Germanic *tuppaz (“braid, pigtail, end”), of unknown ultimate origin. Compare typologically Latin apex (<< Proto-Indo-European *h₂ep- (“to join, attach, fasten, fit”)).
Cognate with Saterland Frisian Top (“top”), Cimbrian sòpf (“braid”), Dutch top (“top, summit, peak”), German Topp (“top of a mast”), Zopf (“braid, pigtail, plait, top”), Luxembourgish Zapp (“plait, tress”), Vilamovian cöp (“braid, plait”), Yiddish צאָפּ (tsop, “braid”), Danish top (“top”), Icelandic toppur (“top”), Norwegian Bokmål, Norwegian Nynorsk and Swedish topp (“top, peak, summit, tip”), Italian zuffa (“brawl”).
The sense of a spinning toy is separated from this, obscurely related to Dutch top and dop in this sense, against Standard Dutch tol, and French toupie having this sense.
From Middle English top, toppe, from Old English topp (“top, highest part; summit; crest; tassel, tuft; (spinning) top, ball; a tuft or ball at the highest point of anything”), from Proto-West Germanic *topp, from Proto-Germanic *tuppaz (“braid, pigtail, end”), of unknown ultimate origin. Compare typologically Latin apex (<< Proto-Indo-European *h₂ep- (“to join, attach, fasten, fit”)).
Cognate with Saterland Frisian Top (“top”), Cimbrian sòpf (“braid”), Dutch top (“top, summit, peak”), German Topp (“top of a mast”), Zopf (“braid, pigtail, plait, top”), Luxembourgish Zapp (“plait, tress”), Vilamovian cöp (“braid, plait”), Yiddish צאָפּ (tsop, “braid”), Danish top (“top”), Icelandic toppur (“top”), Norwegian Bokmål, Norwegian Nynorsk and Swedish topp (“top, peak, summit, tip”), Italian zuffa (“brawl”).
The sense of a spinning toy is separated from this, obscurely related to Dutch top and dop in this sense, against Standard Dutch tol, and French toupie having this sense.
Meanings
(obsolete) The signal among tailors and seamstresses for snuffing the candle. The last of them to cry "top" had to snuff the candle.
My hairs, you perceive, are grown grey in following our sublime trade: full many a time have I cried top in the winter, the first of all the gentlemen on the board; and many a time has it fallen to my lot to apply the snuffers, and take off the filthy excrescence from the candle myself, but never before, in the experience of fifty long years, was it thought that English tailors were inferior to foreign ones. 1819, New Bon Ton Magazine; Or, Telescope of the Times, page 93:
"Well," replied Davie, […] "a wilful woman must have her way like any man — and I doubt your patience is sorely tried, Barbara — Top!"
This last expression, which may seem rather irrelevant, had direct reference to the wick of the candle, which required snuffing […] 1879, Jacob Thompson (jun.), Eldmuir (page 21)
From Middle English top, toppe, from Old English topp (“top, highest part; summit; crest; tassel, tuft; (spinning) top, ball; a tuft or ball at the highest point of anything”), from Proto-West Germanic *topp, from Proto-Germanic *tuppaz (“braid, pigtail, end”), of unknown ultimate origin. Compare typologically Latin apex (<< Proto-Indo-European *h₂ep- (“to join, attach, fasten, fit”)).
Cognate with Saterland Frisian Top (“top”), Cimbrian sòpf (“braid”), Dutch top (“top, summit, peak”), German Topp (“top of a mast”), Zopf (“braid, pigtail, plait, top”), Luxembourgish Zapp (“plait, tress”), Vilamovian cöp (“braid, plait”), Yiddish צאָפּ (tsop, “braid”), Danish top (“top”), Icelandic toppur (“top”), Norwegian Bokmål, Norwegian Nynorsk and Swedish topp (“top, peak, summit, tip”), Italian zuffa (“brawl”).
The sense of a spinning toy is separated from this, obscurely related to Dutch top and dop in this sense, against Standard Dutch tol, and French toupie having this sense.
Meanings
(countable, uncountable) The highest or uppermost part of something.
His kite got caught at the top of the tree.
But then I had the [massive] flintlock by me for protection.
[…]The linen-press and a chest on the top of it formed, however, a very good gun-carriage; and, thus mounted, aim could be taken out of the window at the old mare feeding in the meadow below by the brook,[…]. 1879, R[ichard] J[efferies], chapter 1, in The Amateur Poacher, London: Smith, Elder, & Co., […], →OCLC:
(countable, qualifier:irrespective of present orientation, uncountable) The highest or uppermost part of something. ▸ The part of something that is usually highest or uppermost.
To mount the V8, I simply placed it on its top, and then prepped the mobo/CPU for installation (applied thermal compound). 2013 March 20, Dewayne Carel, “Cooler Master V8 CPU Cooler”, in (Please provide the book title or journal name), archived from the original on 20 Nov 2018:
We flipped the machine onto its top.
(countable, uncountable) The highest or uppermost part of something. ▸ The uppermost part of a page, picture, viewing screen, etc.
Further weather information can be found at the top of your television screen.
Headings appear at the tops of pages.
(countable, uncountable) The highest or uppermost part of something. ▸ A lid, cap, or cover of a container.
Put a top on the toothpaste tube or it will go bad.
(countable, uncountable) The highest or uppermost part of something. ▸ A garment worn to cover the torso.
I bought this top as it matches my jeans.
I like this pyjama top.
(countable, uncountable) The highest or uppermost part of something. ▸ A framework at the top of a ship's mast to which rigging is attached.
(countable, uncountable) The highest or uppermost part of something. ▸ The first half of an inning, during which the home team fields and the visiting team bats.
(archaic, countable, uncountable) The highest or uppermost part of something. ▸ The crown of the head, or the hair upon it; the head.
Like glauncing light of Phoebus brightest ray;
From top to toe no place appeared bare 1590, Edmund Spenser, “Book I, Canto VII”, in The Faerie Queene. […], London: […] [John Wolfe] for William Ponsonbie, →OCLC, stanza 39:
All the stored vengeances of Heaven fall / On her ungrateful top! c. 1603–1606, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of King Lear”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene ii]:
(countable, uncountable) The near end of somewhere.
The patio is at the top of my garden.
The shop is at the top of my street.
(countable, uncountable) A child's spinning toy; a spinning top.
The boy was amazed at how long the top would spin.
(archaic, countable, uncountable) Someone who is eminent. ▸ The chief person; the most prominent one.
to be the top of zealots 1649, J[ohn] Milton, ΕΙΚΟΝΟΚΛΆΣΤΗΣ [Eikonoklástēs] […], London: […] Matthew Simmons, […], →OCLC:
(countable, uncountable) Someone who is eminent. ▸ The highest rank; the most honourable position; the utmost attainable place.
The criticism came from the very top of Australian politics, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese suggesting Thursday that Jones should try her luck with another Australian animal that was more likely to put up a fight. 2025 March 13, Hilary Whiteman, “US tourist filmed running off with baby wombat flees Australia after visa threat”, in CNN:
And wears upon his baby brow the round / And top of sovereignty. c. 1606 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Macbeth”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene i]:
to be at the top of one's class, or at the top of the school
After drawing their first game in Kiev the Potters are now top of Europa League Group E ahead of back-to-back games with Maccabi Tel-Aviv. 2011 September 29, Tom Rostance, “Stoke 2-1 Besiktas”, in BBC Sport:
(countable, uncountable) A peak price of a security during a trading period, before it begins a downward trend.
the daily average price of packer and shipper purchases ranging between $14 and $16. Beginning with the middle of September prices moved sharply upward until a top of $18.25 was reached during the week of Sept. 25. From this high point prices moved downward sharply […] 1921, The Market Reporter, volumes 3-4, United States. Bureau of Markets and Crop Estimates, page 22:
(countable, uncountable) A dominant partner in a sadomasochistic relationship or roleplay.
As I went on doing s/m more and more, I found the idea of topping real attractive and so I started to do that. At this point in my life I'm playing top almost all the time. 1981 August 15, Nancy Wechsler, “Sadomasochism: Fears, Facts, Fantasies”, in Gay Community News, volume 9, number 5, page 8:
(broadly, countable, uncountable) A dominant partner in a sadomasochistic relationship or roleplay. ▸ A dominant partner in a sexual relationship.
(countable, qualifier:LGBTQ slang, uncountable) A person who penetrates or has a preference for penetrating during intercourse.
I prefer being a top, and my boyfriend prefers being a bottom.
Jean-Alain is a man of great physical strength, and Jesse is sure he is quite a handful for his tops. 2020, Paul Mendez, Rainbow Milk, Dialogue Books (2021), page 336:
(Multicultural-London-English, countable, qualifier:African-American Vernacular, slang, uncountable, vulgar) Fellatio; a blowjob.
I like gettin' top (Ooh), I like drivin' coupes […]
Yeah I got Erza Scarlet tryna fuck (Yeah, ooh)
Gettin' top and watching Crunchyroll 2019 November 20, Oliver Francis, “I Like”, in The Adventures Of Oliver Francis:
I just bought a new Ferrari off the lot,
said she a virgin but she wanna give me top,
she need some money so she call my phone a lot,
I picked it up and then I told that bitch to stop. 2017, T-Wayne, “Double Standards” (track 2, 0:42–0:55 from the start), in Forever Rickey:
Running up a check, I'ma drop the top
Baby gimme neck, you know I want some top
You ain't tryna fuck, then baby don't just stop 2016 November 18, J $tash, “Guap”, in No More Distractions:
Man chingy chingy on opps,
catch ringy ringy, want lots
And clingy, clingy, got dots
She is a bad b, she gives tops 2017 December 22, “No Hook”, performed by 61 – Cee Drilla x Beans x Nz x Ruger, 0:53–1:00:
I’m in a wraith with a thot, she gon’ give me some top, cause my music a bop, aye 2020 September 11, Ron Suno, “Wraith” ft. DDG, chorus first time 0:24–0:27:
His bitch gave me some top, and now he wanna send me threats 2019 March 19, Nav, “Price on My Head”, in Bad Habits:
I get some top in my coupe […]
Look at yo bitch she gon' choose
She gon' give me top (on my block Avenue) 2017, Juice Wrld, “2017 Freestyle”, in Unreleased Songs:
She asked to give me some top and I’m down
Head feeling loose ‘cos I’m lit off the brown 2020 August 7, DON RCS, “Top Down”:
Just got some top from this stripper bitch, she from Kankakee 2020 February 21, King Von, “Took Her to the O”, in Levon James:
(countable, particle, uncountable) A top quark.
(countable, uncountable) The utmost degree; the acme; the summit.
June 18 1714, Alexander Pope, letter to Jonathan Swift
The top of my own ambition is to contribute to that work.
(countable, uncountable) A plug or conical block of wood with longitudinal grooves on its surface, in which the strands of the rope slide in the process of twisting.
(countable, qualifier:sound, uncountable) Highest pitch or loudest volume.
She sang at the top of her voice.
I made a speaking trumpet of my hands and commenced to whoop “Ahoy!” and “Hello!” at the top of my lungs. […] The Colonel woke up, and, after asking what in brimstone was the matter, opened his mouth and roared “Hi!” and “Hello!” like the bull of Bashan. 1913, Joseph C[rosby] Lincoln, chapter VII, in Mr. Pratt’s Patients, New York, N.Y.; London: D[aniel] Appleton and Company, →OCLC:
(countable, qualifier:wool manufacture, uncountable) A bundle or ball of slivers of combed wool, from which the noils, or dust, have been taken out.
Most cotton is sold as top, requiring only predrafting prior to spinning. 2014, W. J. Johnson, Yarn Works: How to Spin, Dye, and Knit Your Own Yarn, page 32:
(countable, obsolete, qualifier:except in one sense of phrase on top of, uncountable) Eve; verge; point.
Hee was upon the top of his marriage with Magdalaine. 1603, Richard Knolles, The Generall Historie of the Turkes, […], London: […] Adam Islip, →OCLC:
(countable, uncountable) The part of a cut gem between the girdle, or circumference, and the table, or flat upper surface.
There was one pair of boots in particular — a jolly, good-tempered, hearty-looking, pair of tops, that excited our warmest regard 1836, “Boz” [pseudonym; Charles Dickens], Sketches by “Boz,” Illustrative of Every-day Life, and Every-day People. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: John Macrone, […], →OCLC:
(countable, uncountable) A stroke on the top of the ball.
(countable, uncountable) A forward spin given to the ball by hitting it on or near the top; topspin.
What is wanted is just the reverse - i.e top or overspin, which causes the ball to revolve in the direction in which it is going. 1886, E.T.Sachs, The Boys Own Annual: Lawn-Tennis of the Present, volume 9, page 778:
(countable, in restaurants, qualifier:preceded by a number, uncountable) (A table at which there is, or which has enough seats for) a group of a specified number of people eating at a restaurant.
It is uncanny how a server can stand in front of a ten top, without the safety net of pen and paper, and remember every item ordered by each guest including salads, […] 2015, Jeff Benjamin, Front of the House: Restaurant Manners, Misbehaviors & Secrets, →ISBN:
[…] but with only three other tables on the patio apart from myself – two three-tops and a five-top – it's hard to imagine what the holdup is. 2014, Jamey Glasnovic, Lost and Found: Adrift in the Canadian Rockies, →ISBN, page 144:
(abbreviation, alt-of, countable, ellipsis, uncountable) Ellipsis of topswarm.
My first topswarm came off on the 25th June, and a second top on the day following; both were put into skeps of one size, and appeared to be equal as regards the number of Bees. 1866, The Scottish Gardener, page 397:
(countable, uncountable) The First Sergeant or Master Sergeant (U.S. Marine Corps), senior enlisted man at company level.
(Philippines, countable, plural-normally, uncountable) a shoot (eaten as a vegetable).
topsite (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · Gloucester Tops (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · Table Top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · toponium (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · whip top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · hi-top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · sit-on-top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topsman (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · bartop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · turnip tops (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topman (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · loop-top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topmaking (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · lager top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topmast (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · toppiece (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topspace (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · halter top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top-dress (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · betop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · sleep like a top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · drop top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · tiptop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · flattop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · take it from the top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topstitch (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · wooden-top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · gyrotop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top-selling (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · race to the top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top-tick (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · hilltop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · at the top of the tree (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · coppertop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topfull (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top to toe (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top of one's class (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · bottle top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topwear (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · overtop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top-hole (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top-rated (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topwater (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · dunetop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topnotcher (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · haltertop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topneck (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · retop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · Hill Top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · wavetop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · toplift (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topstone (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · bikini top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top surgery (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top round (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · decktop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · service top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · at the top of one's game (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · cherrytop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · tube top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topline (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top of the hour (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top-to-bottom (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topcloth (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · pretty please with sugar on top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · at the top of one's voice (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top-chain (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top of the line (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · keytop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · toprail (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · power top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · jacktop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · turban-top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topflight (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top-drain (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · peg-top trousers (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · toplist (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · Targa top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · high-top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · high-top fade (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · peasant top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · grass top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · cloudtop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topbar (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top-slicing (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · wop top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · the top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · cooktop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top-rope (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · tippe top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top of the shop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top surgeon (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top-block (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top-down (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · Stanwell Tops (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · round-top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · finetop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · tops-and-bottoms (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · at the top of the heap (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · carrot top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · one's elevator doesn't go all the way to the top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · silver top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · kneetop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · palmtop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · flowtop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topless (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · yellowtop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · rooftop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · toplighting (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · housetop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · ridgetop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top drop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · toploftical (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · set top box (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · open-top bus (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top-heavy (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top loader (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · humming top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · moortop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topsetting (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · gold top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topshop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topbox (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topness (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · moptop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top of mind (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · droptop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · looptop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topwork (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · strappy top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · toplight (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · toppy (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · soft top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · out-top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · grass tops (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topfree (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · blow one's top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · off the top of one's dome (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · surtop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topper (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · tank top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · screwtop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top kill (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · countertop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · it's lonely at the top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · stop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · mizzentop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · worktop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · stop squark (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · raintop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · untop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · whitetop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top of the morning (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · red top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topcolour (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · flip-top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · run like a top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · untoppable (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · blufftop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · four-top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · toploading (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · bedtop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topping (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · toplit (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top to bottom (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top snail (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topminnow (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · whipping top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topwise (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · green top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · big top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · blacktop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · kamote tops (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · walltop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top boy (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topcase (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · hardtop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top fruit (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · at the top of one's lungs (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · Barrington Tops (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · Dowlais Top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · pentop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · low-top fade (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · pegtop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · cartop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top to tail (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · at the top of one's bent (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · browntop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · bubbletop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · old top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · shoetop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topcode (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · gold-top milk (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · bunchy top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topspun (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · boxtop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · foretop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · archtop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topsawyer (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · at the top of the pile (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · mountaintop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · desktop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · bushtop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · double top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topectomy (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · becurtovirus (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · mid-top fade (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · toplike (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · muffin top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · T-top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · benchtop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · hot top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · bluetop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · hedgetop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · roll-top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · curly top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top scar (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · spin-top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · on top of the world (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · ragtop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · tabletop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · atop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · up top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topmaker (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · blue top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · laptop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top and but (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topcolor (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · Firetop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topside (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · Mountain Top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · pillowtop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · firetop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topsail (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · hooktop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · stovetop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top aerator (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · open-top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top-shaped (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topshell (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topsoil (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · dashtop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · antitop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · treetop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · Bricktop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top and tail (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top rung (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · filtertop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topfreedom (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · view from the top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · camote tops (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · toplighted (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · ziptop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · screw top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · come out on top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · two-top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · Bank Top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topweight (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · eight-top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top-hamper (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · over the top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · redtop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · on top of (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · pop-top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · to the top of one's bent (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · crop top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topdeck (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · on top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · maintop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · six-top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · clifftop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topknot (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topbill (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · cottontop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · wrist-top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · off the top of one's head (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · topful (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · toppo (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · goldentop (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top speed (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top-flag (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · top minnow (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.) · Benham's top (perhaps some are derived from
adj/verb.)
la summum (uppermost part — see also apex) · es tapa (lid, cap, cover) · tr üst (uppermost part — see also apex) · nl bovenkant (uppermost part — see also apex) · sk vrch (uppermost part of a visual field) · sk vrchnák (lid, cap, cover) · vec sima (uppermost part — see also apex) · mk ка́пак (lid, cap, cover) · vi đầu (uppermost part — see also apex) · la cacumen (uppermost part — see also apex) · el άκρο (uppermost part — see also apex) · wa miercopete (uppermost part — see also apex) · he אַקְטִיבִי (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · sk vrch (uppermost part — see also apex) · lv galotne (uppermost part — see also apex) · ja 蓋 (lid, cap, cover) · fr hune (top of a ship's mast) · nl deksel (lid, cap, cover) · yue 一 (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · sq kreu maja (uppermost part — see also apex) · th ยอด (uppermost part — see also apex) · fa اکتیو (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · mnc ᠨᡳᠩᡤᡠ (uppermost part — see also apex) · ru верх (garment worn to cover the torso) · zdj ntsa (uppermost part — see also apex) · ka მწვერვალი (uppermost part — see also apex) · fi antava osapuoli (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · sv kapsyl (lid, cap, cover) · vec ẑima (uppermost part — see also apex) · vi đỉnh (uppermost part — see also apex) · bo སྟེང (uppermost part — see also apex) · pl góra (uppermost part — see also apex) · hy գագաթ (uppermost part — see also apex) · fi korkki (lid, cap, cover) · sh врх (uppermost part — see also apex) · cic pakna' (lid, cap, cover) · et aktiivne (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · ru верх (uppermost part of a visual field) · hu felső (garment worn to cover the torso) · sk vrchol (uppermost part — see also apex) · sv överdel (uppermost part of a visual field) · vec sora (uppermost part of a visual field) · cu врьхъ (uppermost part — see also apex) · fi latva (uppermost part — see also apex) · be вяршы́ня (uppermost part — see also apex) · ml മേൽ വസ്ത്രം (garment worn to cover the torso) · uk ве́рхній о́дяг (garment worn to cover the torso) · es activo (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · gd mullach (uppermost part — see also apex) · nl bovenkleding (garment worn to cover the torso) · fi huippu (uppermost part — see also apex) · eo supro (uppermost part — see also apex) · es camote (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · it cima (uppermost part — see also apex) · scn attivu (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · tt төпе (uppermost part — see also apex) · pt topo (uppermost part of a visual field) · fr sommet (uppermost part — see also apex) · sv aktiv (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · mi hīpoki (lid, cap, cover) · eo suprulo (BDSM: dominant partner in a BDSM relationship or roleplay) · pt ativo (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · nb kork (lid, cap, cover) · it sommità (uppermost part of a visual field) · scn cuperchiu (lid, cap, cover) · sv överdel (garment worn to cover the torso) · gd mullach (uppermost part of a visual field) · fi pää (uppermost part — see also apex) · mn оргил (uppermost part — see also apex) · ka კენწერო (uppermost part — see also apex) · pt topo (uppermost part — see also apex) · cs vršek (uppermost part — see also apex) · ja 表 (baseball term) · it coffa (top of a ship's mast) · ru акти́вный (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · pt tampa (lid, cap, cover) · sh tòbdžija (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · sh то̀бџија (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · fr actif (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · ka წვეტი (uppermost part — see also apex) · ar قِمَّة (uppermost part — see also apex) · uk акти́в (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · ka ზედა ნაწილი (uppermost part — see also apex) · es parte de más arriba (uppermost part — see also apex) · uk кри́шка (lid, cap, cover) · ka საცობი (lid, cap, cover) · km កំពូល (uppermost part — see also apex) · ru ве́рхняя оде́жда (garment worn to cover the torso) · eu gain (uppermost part — see also apex) · sh vrh (uppermost part — see also apex) · fi nuppi (uppermost part — see also apex) · tr aktif (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · fi top (BDSM: dominant partner in a BDSM relationship or roleplay) · nb mers (top of a ship's mast) · sv topp (uppermost part — see also apex) · es cubierta (lid, cap, cover) · zh 一 (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · lad topo (uppermost part of a visual field) · fa فاعل (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · hu tető (uppermost part — see also apex) · km សិខា (uppermost part — see also apex) · nn deksel (lid, cap, cover) · uk верх (uppermost part — see also apex) · ro vârf (uppermost part — see also apex) · lv augša (uppermost part — see also apex) · scn crupecchiu (lid, cap, cover) · vi áo (garment worn to cover the torso) · eo brustvestaĵo (garment worn to cover the torso) · uk марс (top of a ship's mast) · uk верши́на (uppermost part — see also apex) · ltg viersyune (uppermost part — see also apex) · fi huippuhela (top of a ship's mast) · pt sumidade (uppermost part — see also apex) · ka წვერი (uppermost part — see also apex) · mn орой (uppermost part — see also apex) · pt cima (uppermost part — see also apex) · he אַק׳ (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · mi tihi (uppermost part — see also apex) · be верх (uppermost part — see also apex) · pl wierzchołek (uppermost part — see also apex) · de Gipfel (uppermost part — see also apex) · ml മൂടി (lid, cap, cover) · pt parte alta (baseball term) · grc ἄκρον (uppermost part — see also apex) · nl topje (garment worn to cover the torso) · ko 꼭대기 (uppermost part — see also apex) · mnc ᡶᠣᡵᠣᠨ (uppermost part — see also apex) · gd ceann (lid, cap, cover) · ka უმაღლესი წერტილი (uppermost part — see also apex) · nci cuāitl (uppermost part — see also apex) · yi אויבן (uppermost part — see also apex) · ja 凸 (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · inh бухь (uppermost part — see also apex) · fr couvercle (lid, cap, cover) · uk ви́шник (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · fr domi (BDSM: dominant partner in a BDSM relationship or roleplay) · fi top (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · hu fedő (lid, cap, cover) · nrf heuniéthe (top of a ship's mast) · it coperchio (lid, cap, cover) · scn cimala (uppermost part — see also apex) · he דוכנית (top of a ship's mast) · pt alta (baseball term) · wa copete (uppermost part — see also apex) · es cima (uppermost part — see also apex) · grc κορυφή (uppermost part — see also apex) · hu kupak (lid, cap, cover) · sl vrh (uppermost part — see also apex) · zza cor (diq) (uppermost part — see also apex) · fa تاپ (garment worn to cover the torso) · sv topp (garment worn to cover the torso) · nb topp (garment worn to cover the torso) · ca cim (uppermost part — see also apex) · ca àpex (uppermost part — see also apex) · da mærs (top of a ship's mast) · ca cofa (top of a ship's mast) · ja 頂 (uppermost part — see also apex) · ota طوروق (uppermost part — see also apex) · fr première demi-manche (baseball term) · ro culme (uppermost part — see also apex) · zh 主動 /主动 (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · pt cesto da gávea (top of a ship's mast) · tet fohon (uppermost part — see also apex) · pt top (garment worn to cover the torso) · nn topp (uppermost part — see also apex) · he טוֹפּ (garment worn to cover the torso) · it top (garment worn to cover the torso) · km គំរប (lid, cap, cover) · nv hakáʼígíí (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · tet tutun (uppermost part — see also apex) · sv propp (lid, cap, cover) · yue 主動 /主动 (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · scn duminatura (BDSM: dominant partner in a BDSM relationship or roleplay) · es dominadora (BDSM: dominant partner in a BDSM relationship or roleplay) · sv märs (top of a ship's mast) · tl ibabaw (uppermost part — see also apex) · fi kansi (lid, cap, cover) · sv lock (lid, cap, cover) · it attivo (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · uk топ (top of a ship's mast) · ja トップス (garment worn to cover the torso) · it cappuccio (lid, cap, cover) · km ចម (uppermost part — see also apex) · es tapadera (lid, cap, cover) · it parte superiore (garment worn to cover the torso) · nb lokk (lid, cap, cover) · de Topp (top of a ship's mast) · de Mars (top of a ship's mast) · vec sima (uppermost part of a visual field) · es mayate (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · fi yläosa (uppermost part of a visual field) · pt cimo (uppermost part — see also apex) · de aktiv (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · es dominador (BDSM: dominant partner in a BDSM relationship or roleplay) · es cofa (top of a ship's mast) · vi chủ động (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · pt top (BDSM: dominant partner in a BDSM relationship or roleplay) · gl cumio (uppermost part — see also apex) · da aktiv (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · mk а́ктивен (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · orv врьхъ (uppermost part — see also apex) · ru верху́шка (uppermost part — see also apex) · grc κολοφών (uppermost part — see also apex) · ota تپه (uppermost part — see also apex) · es cabecera (uppermost part of a visual field) · fr enculeur (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · ru кры́шка (lid, cap, cover) · ja 頂上 (uppermost part — see also apex) · pt gávea (top of a ship's mast) · pt ativo (BDSM: dominant partner in a BDSM relationship or roleplay) · bg марс (top of a ship's mast) · ja 上着 (garment worn to cover the torso) · ru верши́на (uppermost part — see also apex) · bg капак (lid, cap, cover) · uk ко́рок (lid, cap, cover) · de Oberteil (garment worn to cover the torso) · nn topp (garment worn to cover the torso) · el κορυφή (uppermost part — see also apex) · zh 1 (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · ota چناقلق (top of a ship's mast) · es parte de encima (uppermost part — see also apex) · scn cummogghiu (lid, cap, cover) · ro capac (lid, cap, cover) · ko 초 (baseball term) · ka ხუფი (lid, cap, cover) · cic pakna' (uppermost part — see also apex) · la apex (uppermost part — see also apex) · el μπλούζα (garment worn to cover the torso) · ml അടപ്പ് (lid, cap, cover) · ko 탑 (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · pt cume (uppermost part — see also apex) · gd mullach (lid, cap, cover) · ru акти́в (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · nn mers (top of a ship's mast) · de Deckel (lid, cap, cover) · pl aktyw (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · ru ве́рхний (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · scn aricchiuni (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · scn duminaturi (BDSM: dominant partner in a BDSM relationship or roleplay) · fa فاعل (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · sh ȁktīvan (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · nb topp (uppermost part — see also apex) · sw basha (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · ru топ (garment worn to cover the torso) · ga uachtar (uppermost part — see also apex) · akl ibabaw (uppermost part — see also apex) · ka თავსახური (lid, cap, cover) · de Oberteil (uppermost part — see also apex) · scn top (garment worn to cover the torso) · zh 頂 /顶 (uppermost part — see also apex) · nn kork (lid, cap, cover) · nn topp (uppermost part of a visual field) · th ฝา (lid, cap, cover) · kmr jor (uppermost part — see also apex) · scn pizzu (uppermost part — see also apex) · txb tsankär (uppermost part — see also apex) · scn cappucciu (lid, cap, cover) · fi toppi (garment worn to cover the torso) · mk го́рен дел (uppermost part of a visual field) · ban tungtung (uppermost part — see also apex) · hu felső rész (uppermost part — see also apex) · nn lokk (lid, cap, cover) · ka აქტიური (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · fa بالا (uppermost part — see also apex) · gld порон (uppermost part — see also apex) · nb deksel (lid, cap, cover) · ce бохь (uppermost part — see also apex) · tet leten (uppermost part — see also apex) · fi yläosa (garment worn to cover the torso) · pl top (garment worn to cover the torso) · scn punta (uppermost part — see also apex) · es top (garment worn to cover the torso) · ka აქტი (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · vi đỉnh (uppermost part of a visual field) · fi yläreuna (uppermost part of a visual field) · th เกย์คิง (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · mk врв (uppermost part — see also apex) · ota اوست (uppermost part — see also apex) · pl wierzch (uppermost part — see also apex) · yue 1 (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · id atas (uppermost part — see also apex) · de Kappe (lid, cap, cover) · fi toppi (top of a ship's mast) · ru верх (uppermost part — see also apex) · fr actif (BDSM: dominant partner in a BDSM relationship or roleplay) · ota قمه (uppermost part — see also apex) · ja タチ (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · nl bovenkant (uppermost part of a visual field) · bg горна част (uppermost part of a visual field) · scn pezzu di supra (garment worn to cover the torso) · el κολοφώνας (uppermost part — see also apex) · lv virsotne (uppermost part — see also apex) · es parte de arriba (uppermost part — see also apex) · km គ្រប (lid, cap, cover) · nb topp (uppermost part of a visual field) · sa शिरस् (uppermost part — see also apex) · ml മുകൾ ഭാഗം (uppermost part — see also apex) · bg връх (uppermost part — see also apex) · el καπάκι (lid, cap, cover) · fr dessus (uppermost part — see also apex) · tt төпе (uppermost part of a visual field) · sh а̏ктӣван (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · es hombre penetrador (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · de Spitze (uppermost part — see also apex) · th รุก (gay sexual slang: gay man who likes to penetrate in sex) · es parte superior (uppermost part — see also apex) · scn coffa (top of a ship's mast) · de Top (garment worn to cover the torso) · vec ẑima (uppermost part of a visual field)
From Middle English top, toppe, from Old English topp (“top, highest part; summit; crest; tassel, tuft; (spinning) top, ball; a tuft or ball at the highest point of anything”), from Proto-West Germanic *topp, from Proto-Germanic *tuppaz (“braid, pigtail, end”), of unknown ultimate origin. Compare typologically Latin apex (<< Proto-Indo-European *h₂ep- (“to join, attach, fasten, fit”)).
Cognate with Saterland Frisian Top (“top”), Cimbrian sòpf (“braid”), Dutch top (“top, summit, peak”), German Topp (“top of a mast”), Zopf (“braid, pigtail, plait, top”), Luxembourgish Zapp (“plait, tress”), Vilamovian cöp (“braid, plait”), Yiddish צאָפּ (tsop, “braid”), Danish top (“top”), Icelandic toppur (“top”), Norwegian Bokmål, Norwegian Nynorsk and Swedish topp (“top, peak, summit, tip”), Italian zuffa (“brawl”).
The sense of a spinning toy is separated from this, obscurely related to Dutch top and dop in this sense, against Standard Dutch tol, and French toupie having this sense.
Meanings
To cover on the top or with a top.
I like my ice cream topped with chocolate sauce.
To exceed in height.
Five were proper slender youths, the eldest of whom had not yet beard full grown, black-browed and great of jaw; the sixth, huge as a neat, topped them by half a head. 1922, E[ric] R[ücker] Eddison, The Worm Ouroboros: A Romance, London: Jonathan Cape […], →OCLC, page 17:
To excel, to surpass, to beat, to exceed.
Titanic was the most successful film ever until it was topped by another Cameron film, Avatar.
Well, my legitimate, if this letter speed, / And my invention thrive, Edmund the base / Shall top th' legitimate. I grow; I prosper c. 1603–1606, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of King Lear”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene ii]:
Within months, sales of ONE magazine were topping 2,000 copies. 2005 August 23, Leslie Feinberg, “Headwaters of first mass political gay movement rise”, in Workers World:
The HSDT team, however, had some work to do, although by the end of 1972 the power car interior had been adjusted and BR had agreed to 'double-manning' with extra pay when speeds topped the ton. [exceeded 100 mph] 2021 October 6, Greg Morse, “A need for speed and the drive for 125”, in RAIL, number 941, page 50:
To be in the lead, to be at number one position (of).
Liverpool topped the table on Christmas Day and, after Arsenal's win at West Ham earlier on Boxing Day, would have returned to the top had they been the first team to beat City at home this season. 2013 December 26, Phil McNulty, BBC Sport:
Celine Dion topped the UK music charts twice in the 1990s.
To cut or remove the top (as of a tree)
Top and tail the carrots.
Topping depletes the tree of stored energy reserves and reduces the tree's ability to produce energy, as a large percentage of the leaves are removed. 2003, Dan Prendergast, Erin Prendergast, The Tree Doctor: A Guide to Tree Care and Maintenance, →ISBN, page 78:
I don't want to be bald, so just top my hair.
(Australia, UK, reflexive, slang) To commit suicide.
Depression causes many people to top themselves.
(Australia, UK, archaic, rare, slang) To murder or execute.
Thirty-six were cast for death, and only one was ‘topped’ (hanged), the very one that expected to be ‘turned up’ (acquitted) for highway robbery. 1851, Henry Mayhew, London Labour and the London Poor, published 1861:
To be the dominant partner in a BDSM relationship or roleplay.
As I went on doing s/m more and more, I found the idea of topping real attractive and so I started to do that. At this point in my life I'm playing top almost all the time. 1981 August 15, Nancy Wechsler, “Sadomasochism: Fears, Facts, Fantasies”, in Gay Community News, volume 9, number 5, page 8:
I used to be a slave, but I ended up topping.
Giving advice to the dominant partner on how to run the BDSM session is called "topping from the bottom".
(intransitive, qualifier:LGBTQ slang, transitive) To penetrate during sexual intercourse.
(archaic) To rise aloft; to be eminent; to tower.
lofty and topping mountains 1713, W[illiam] Derham, Physico-Theology: Or, A Demonstration of the Being and Attributes of God, from His Works of Creation. […], London: […] W[illiam] Innys, […], →OCLC:
, Book II, Chapter XXI
influenced by that topping uneasiness
topping passions
(archaic) To excel; to rise above others.
To raise one end of (a yard, etc.), making it higher than the other.
To cover with another dye.
to top aniline black with methyl violet to prevent greening
To put a stiffening piece or back on (a saw blade).
(dated, slang) To arrange (fruit, etc.) with the best on top.
(of a horse) To strike the top of (an obstacle) with the hind feet while jumping, so as to gain new impetus.
To improve (domestic animals, especially sheep) by crossing certain individuals or breeds with other superior breeds.
To cut, break, or otherwise take off the top of (a steel ingot) to remove unsound metal.
To strike (the ball) above the centre; also, to make (a stroke, etc.) by hitting the ball in this way.
fi lyödä (excel) · sk predstihnúť (excel) · es ser exitoso (excel) · sv överträffa (excel) · nb toppe (to cut or remove the top) · uk покрива́ти (to cover on the top or with a top) · fi peittää (to cover on the top or with a top) · nb toppe (excel) · es ser un éxito (excel) · nl van kant maken (slang: to murder) · sk prekonať (excel) · pt cobrir (to cover on the top or with a top) · es rematar (excel) · uk покри́ти (to cover on the top or with a top) · fi ylittää (excel) · es rendir (excel) · fi kattaa (to cover on the top or with a top) · es cubrir (to cover on the top or with a top) · nb overgå (excel) · fi typistää latvasta (to cut or remove the top) · uk переве́ршувати (excel) · fi päihittää (excel) · pt superar (excel) · nl uitmunten (excel) · bg покривам (to cover on the top or with a top) · mk на́дмине (excel) · fi katkaista yläpää (to cut or remove the top) · sk prevýšiť (excel) · nb dekke (to cover on the top or with a top) · es despuntar (to cut or remove the top) · es sobresalir (excel) · fi voittaa (excel) · uk переве́ршити (excel) · bg превъзхождам (excel) · fi olla parempi (excel) · mk по́крие (to cover on the top or with a top) · fi kuorruttaa (to cover on the top or with a top) · mi kairangi (to cut or remove the top) · nb toppe (to cover on the top or with a top) · bg превишавам (excel)