top
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.the highest part or surface of something.
n.the uppermost part, surface, or end of an object or structure.
Simple“There was still some white snow on the top of the mountain.”
In context“The climbers finally reached the top of the ridge just as the sun began to set behind the distant peaks.”
- 02 A2 Elementary
n.a piece of clothing that you wear on the upper part of your body.
n.a garment worn on the upper body, such as a shirt, sweater, or blouse.
Simple“She wore a blue top with her black jeans to the party.”
In context“The dress code was casual, so most employees arrived wearing simple cotton tops and comfortable trousers.”
UsageOften used as a general term when the specific type of garment is unknown or unimportant.
- 03 B1 Intermediate
n.a toy that stays balanced while it spins around very fast.
n.a conical or pear-shaped toy designed to spin rapidly on a pointed tip.
Simple“The child watched the colorful top spin across the wooden floor.”
In context“The antique collection included several hand-painted wooden tops that still balanced perfectly when spun.”
Synonymsspinning top - 04 B1 Intermediate
n.a lid or a cap that covers a container.
n.a lid, cap, or cover for a container such as a bottle or jar.
Simple“Don't forget to put the top back on the milk bottle.”
In context“The child struggled to unscrew the top of the jam jar because it was stuck tight with dried sugar.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to be taller than something or to be at the highest point of it.
v.to exceed in height or to reach the summit of something.
Simple“The new skyscraper will top all the other buildings in the city.”
In context“The cathedral spire tops the surrounding landscape, serving as a landmark for miles in every direction.”
UsageOften used in the passive voice to describe geographical features.
Synonymssurmountcrown - 06 B1 Intermediate
v.to do better than a previous score, amount, or person.
v.to surpass or excel a previous record, limit, or competitor.
Simple“The movie topped the charts for three weeks in a row.”
In context“The company hopes to top last year's sales figures by expanding into the European market this autumn.”
Antonyms - 07 B1 Intermediate
v.to put something on the upper surface of something else, usually food.
v.to provide with a top or to put something on the top of.
Simple“He topped the cake with fresh strawberries and cream.”
In context“The chef topped the pasta with a generous grating of aged parmesan before serving it to the guests.”
UsageCommonly used with the preposition 'with'.
- 08 A2 Elementary
adj.the best, most important, or most successful.
adj.of the highest quality, rank, or importance.
Simple“She is one of the top students in her medical class.”
In context“The agency only hires top experts in the field of cybersecurity to handle their most sensitive cases.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it modifies.
- 09 A2 Elementary
adj.located at the very highest part of something.
adj.situated at the uppermost part or level.
Simple“The books you need are on the top shelf of the bookcase.”
In context“Residents on the top floor of the apartment complex enjoy a panoramic view of the city skyline.”
- 10 C1 Advanced
v.to end your own life.
v.to commit suicide.
Simple“He was so depressed that his friends worried he might top himself.”
In context“The character in the play threatens to top himself after losing his entire fortune in a single night.”
UsageUsually used reflexively as 'top oneself'.
Teacher's tipThis is a very sensitive and informal term; learners should use it with extreme caution or avoid it in favor of 'commit suicide'.
Synonymskill oneself - 11 C1 Advanced
n.the person who takes the active or dominant role during sex.
n.the partner who takes the dominant or penetrating role in sexual activity.
Simple“They discussed their preferences and he mentioned he preferred being the top.”
In context“In many modern discussions of relationship dynamics, individuals may identify as a top, bottom, or switch.”
Teacher's tipThis is common in LGBTQ+ contexts and BDSM communities; it is informal but not necessarily vulgar depending on context, can be quite direct.
- 12 C2 Proficiency
n.a slang word for oral sex.
n.a slang term for fellatio.
Simple“He was bragging to his friends about getting top last night.”
In context“The lyrics of the song contained several slang references to giving and receiving top.”
UsageUncountable in this sense.
Teacher's tipThis is highly informal and potentially offensive; learners should be aware of it to understand media but avoid using it in most social situations.
Synonyms
Usage top court · top flight · top two