English Reference
noun · adverb · adjective

tops

n. · adv. · adj.
US /ˈtɑps/ UK /tˈɒps/ tops

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.pieces of clothing that you wear on the upper part of your body, like shirts or sweaters.

    n.plural noun referring to garments worn on the upper body.

    Simple

    She packed three different tops to wear with her jeans on the trip.

    In context

    The retailer reported a significant increase in sales for casual tops as more employees transitioned to permanent remote work arrangements.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    n.the highest points or surfaces of several things.

    n.the uppermost parts, surfaces, or summits of multiple objects.

    Simple

    The mountain tops were covered in thick white snow all winter.

    In context

    The chef carefully removed the tops of the peppers before stuffing them with a mixture of seasoned rice and herbs.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    adv.used to say that a number or amount is the absolute maximum.

    adv.at the very most; used postpositively to indicate a maximum limit or duration.

    Simple

    The walk to the station will take ten minutes tops.

    In context

    The repair should cost fifty pounds tops, provided there is no underlying damage to the internal circuitry.

    maximumat most
  4. 04 C1 Advanced InformalBritish English

    adj.very good or excellent.

    adj.denoting high quality or excellence; often used in British English contexts.

    Simple

    We had a tops meal at that new Italian restaurant last night.

    In context

    He is a tops bloke who would go out of his way to help anyone in the village.

A huge villa tops the list for the Valencian Community has been posted on Idealista priced at €18 million.

The Local· 27 Aug 2026

She adds that while bandeau tops are "such an on-trend look this summer, they are a no-go for work".

BBC News· 6 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated