tops Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun the upper part of anything
   top.
   
   • the mower cuts off the tops of the grass
   • the title should be written at the top of the first page
2. noun the highest or uppermost side of anything
   upside; top; upper side; top side.
   
   • put your books on top of the desk
   • only the top side of the box was painted
3. noun the top or extreme point of something (usually a mountain or hill)
   crown; top; tip; summit; peak; crest.
   
   • the view from the peak was magnificent
   • they clambered to the tip of Monadnock
   • the region is a few molecules wide at the summit
4. noun the first half of an inning; while the visiting team is at bat
   top of the inning; top.
   
   • a relief pitcher took over in the top of the fifth
5. noun the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
   superlative; pinnacle; acme; top; height; summit; peak; elevation; tiptop; meridian.
   
   • his landscapes were deemed the acme of beauty
   • the artist's gifts are at their acme
   • at the height of her career
   • the peak of perfection
   • summer was at its peak
   • ...catapulted Einstein to the pinnacle of fame
   • the summit of his ambition
   • so many highest superlatives achieved by man
   • at the top of his profession
6. noun the greatest possible intensity
   top.
   
   • he screamed at the top of his lungs
7. noun platform surrounding the head of a lower mast
   top.
   
8. noun a conical child's plaything tapering to a steel point on which it can be made to spin
   teetotum; top; spinning top; whirligig.
   
   • he got a bright red top and string for his birthday
9. noun covering for a hole (especially a hole in the top of a container)
   top; cover.
   
   • he removed the top of the carton
   • he couldn't get the top off of the bottle
   • put the cover back on the kettle
10. noun a garment (especially for women) that extends from the shoulders to the waist or hips
    top.
    
    • he stared as she buttoned her top
11. noun a canvas tent to house the audience at a circus performance
    circus tent; big top; top; round top.
    
    • he was afraid of a fire in the circus tent
    • they had the big top up in less than an hour
12. verb be superior or better than some standard
    transcend; exceed; top; overstep; go past; pass.
    
    • She exceeded our expectations
    • She topped her performance of last year
13. verb pass by, over, or under without making contact
    clear; top.
    
    • the balloon cleared the tree tops
14. verb be at the top of or constitute the top or highest point
    top.
    
    • A star tops the Christmas Tree
15. verb be ahead of others; be the first
    top; lead.
    
    • she topped her class every year
16. verb provide with a top or finish the top (of a structure)
    top; top out.
    
    • the towers were topped with conical roofs
17. verb reach or ascend the top of
    top.
    
    • The hikers topped the mountain just before noon
18. verb strike (the top part of a ball in golf, baseball, or pool) giving it a forward spin
    top.
    
19. verb cut the top off
    pinch; top.
    
    • top trees and bushes
20. verb be the culminating event
    top; crown.
    
    • The speech crowned the meeting
21. verb finish up or conclude
    top; top off.
    
    • They topped off their dinner with a cognac
    • top the evening with champagne
22. adjective satellite of the highest quality
    first-rate; ace; topnotch; A-one; top-notch; crack; tiptop; super.
    
    • an ace reporter
    • a crack shot
    • a first-rate golfer
    • a super party
    • played top-notch tennis
    • an athlete in tiptop condition
    • she is absolutely tops

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