# topper

/ˈtɑpɝ/ (US) · /tˈɒpɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/topper
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

someone who gets the highest marks in a class or an exam. You use this when talking about the best student in a group.

For teachers: the person who achieves the highest rank or score in a specific group, particularly in an academic context. Common in Indian and British English varieties.

## Examples

- She was the class topper in mathematics this year.
- After months of rigorous study, he was announced as the state topper in the competitive entrance exams.
- While being the school topper brings significant prestige, it also places immense pressure on the student to maintain that academic trajectory throughout university.

## Usage notes

- Primarily used in South Asian and British English; in American English, 'top of the class' or 'valedictorian' is more common.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.