# upper

/ˈəpɝ/ (US) · /ˈʌpɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/upper
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. higher position

adjective · CEFR A2

located in a higher place or at a higher level.

For teachers: situated in a higher physical position or at a superior level relative to something else.

- The bedrooms are on the upper floor of the house.
- The upper branches of the oak tree were the first to catch the golden light of the rising sun.

### 2. higher rank

adjective · CEFR B2

having a higher rank or status in a group or company.

For teachers: denoting a higher rank, status, or position within a social or professional hierarchy.

- She was promoted to an upper management position last month.
- Decisions regarding the merger were restricted to upper management to prevent leaks to the press.

### 3. geography/inland

adjective · CEFR B1

describing a part of a river or land that is further from the sea or further north.

For teachers: referring to a region that is further inland, at a higher elevation, or more northerly within a specific territory.

- They spent their holiday exploring the upper reaches of the Amazon river.
- The upper valley remains sparsely populated due to the harsh winters and difficult terrain.

### 4. geology/history

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical · Academic

describing a more recent period of time in the Earth's history.

For teachers: designating a later or more recent division of a geological period or archaeological stage.

- Scientists found new fossils from the Upper Cretaceous period.
- The Upper Palaeolithic saw a significant increase in the complexity of stone tool technology and artistic expression.

### 5. part of a shoe

noun · CEFR B2

the top part of a shoe that covers the foot.

For teachers: the part of a shoe or boot above the sole.

- The leather uppers of these boots are very soft and comfortable.
- The cobbler explained that while the soles were worn out, the suede uppers were still in excellent condition.

### 6. stimulant drug

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Slang

a drug that makes you feel very energetic and awake.

For teachers: a stimulant drug, such as an amphetamine, that increases physiological or nervous activity.

- He started taking uppers to stay awake during the long night shifts.
- The patient admitted to a history of using uppers to cope with the demanding schedule of the music industry.

Teaching tip: This is a common slang term; in formal or medical contexts, use 'stimulant'.

## Examples

- The upper floors of the building have a great view.
- She lives in the upper part of the city where the air is much cooler and the streets are quieter.
- The treaty was signed by representatives of the upper house, signaling a significant shift in the legislative priorities of the governing coalition.

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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.