ENGLISH
REFERENCE

top

n. · v. · adj.
US //ˈtɑp// UK //tˈɒp// top
  1. 1 highest part (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the highest part or surface of something.

    the uppermost part, surface, or end of an object or structure.

    Example

    There was still some white snow on the top of the mountain.

    Example

    The climbers finally reached the top of the ridge just as the sun began to set behind the distant peaks.
  2. 2 clothing (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a piece of clothing that you wear on the upper part of your body.

    a garment worn on the upper body, such as a shirt, sweater, or blouse.

    Example

    She wore a blue top with her black jeans to the party.

    Example

    The dress code was casual, so most employees arrived wearing simple cotton tops and comfortable trousers.

    Usage

    Often used as a general term when the specific type of garment is unknown or unimportant.
Show 10 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 spinning toy (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a toy that stays balanced while it spins around very fast.

    a conical or pear-shaped toy designed to spin rapidly on a pointed tip.

    Example

    The child watched the colorful top spin across the wooden floor.

    Example

    The antique collection included several hand-painted wooden tops that still balanced perfectly when spun.
    • spinning top
  2. 4 lid or cap (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a lid or a cap that covers a container.

    a lid, cap, or cover for a container such as a bottle or jar.

    Example

    Don't forget to put the top back on the milk bottle.

    Example

    The child struggled to unscrew the top of the jam jar because it was stuck tight with dried sugar.
  3. 5 to be higher than (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to be taller than something or to be at the highest point of it.

    to exceed in height or to reach the summit of something.

    Example

    The new skyscraper will top all the other buildings in the city.

    Example

    The cathedral spire tops the surrounding landscape, serving as a landmark for miles in every direction.

    Usage

    Often used in the passive voice to describe geographical features.
  4. 6 to exceed or beat (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to do better than a previous score, amount, or person.

    to surpass or excel a previous record, limit, or competitor.

    Example

    The movie topped the charts for three weeks in a row.

    Example

    The company hopes to top last year's sales figures by expanding into the European market this autumn.
  5. 7 to add a layer (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Cooking

    to put something on the upper surface of something else, usually food.

    to provide with a top or to put something on the top of.

    Example

    He topped the cake with fresh strawberries and cream.

    Example

    The chef topped the pasta with a generous grating of aged parmesan before serving it to the guests.

    Usage

    Commonly used with the preposition 'with'.
  6. 8 highest rank (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    the best, most important, or most successful.

    of the highest quality, rank, or importance.

    Example

    She is one of the top students in her medical class.

    Example

    The agency only hires top experts in the field of cybersecurity to handle their most sensitive cases.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it modifies.
  7. 9 highest position (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    located at the very highest part of something.

    situated at the uppermost part or level.

    Example

    The books you need are on the top shelf of the bookcase.

    Example

    Residents on the top floor of the apartment complex enjoy a panoramic view of the city skyline.
  8. 10 to kill oneself (v.)
    C1 Advanced British English Informal Slang

    to end your own life.

    to commit suicide.

    Example

    He was so depressed that his friends worried he might top himself.

    Example

    The character in the play threatens to top himself after losing his entire fortune in a single night.

    Usage

    Usually used reflexively as 'top oneself'.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very sensitive and informal term; learners should use it with extreme caution or avoid it in favor of 'commit suicide'.
    • kill oneself
  9. 11 sexual role (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Slang

    the person who takes the active or dominant role during sex.

    the partner who takes the dominant or penetrating role in sexual activity.

    Example

    They discussed their preferences and he mentioned he preferred being the top.

    Example

    In many modern discussions of relationship dynamics, individuals may identify as a top, bottom, or switch.

    Teacher's tip

    This is common in LGBTQ+ contexts and BDSM communities; it is informal but not necessarily vulgar depending on context, can be quite direct.
  10. 12 oral sex (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Slang Vulgar

    a slang word for oral sex.

    a slang term for fellatio.

    Example

    He was bragging to his friends about getting top last night.

    Example

    The lyrics of the song contained several slang references to giving and receiving top.

    Usage

    Uncountable in this sense.

    Teacher's tip

    This is highly informal and potentially offensive; learners should be aware of it to understand media but avoid using it in most social situations.
Word family
Idioms22 entries

© 2026 English Reference