noun
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the upper part of anythingthe mower cuts off the tops of the grass
the title should be written at the top of the first page
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the highest or uppermost side of anything (syn: upside)put your books on top of the desk
only the top side of the box was painted
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the top or extreme point of something (usually a mountain or hill) (syn: crest, crown, peak, summit, tip)-
the first half of an inning; while the visiting team is at bata relief pitcher took over in the top of the fifth
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the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development (syn: acme, elevation, height, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, superlative, tiptop)at the top of his profession
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the greatest possible intensityhe screamed at the top of his lungs
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platform surrounding the head of a lower mast-
a conical child's plaything tapering to a steel point on which it can be made to spin (syn: teetotum, whirligig)he got a bright red top and string for his birthday
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covering for a hole (especially a hole in the top of a container) (syn: cover)he removed the top of the carton
he couldn't get the top off of the bottle
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a garment (especially for women) that extends from the shoulders to the waist or hipshe stared as she buttoned her top
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a canvas tent to house the audience at a circus performancethey had the big top up in less than an hour
verb
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be superior or better than some standard (syn: exceed, overstep, pass, transcend)She topped her performance of last year
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pass by, over, or under without making contact (syn: clear)the balloon cleared the tree tops
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be at the top of or constitute the top or highest pointA star tops the Christmas Tree
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be ahead of others; be the first (syn: lead)she topped her class every year
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provide with a top or finish the top (of a structure) (syn: top out)the towers were topped with conical roofs
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reach or ascend the top ofThe hikers topped the mountain just before noon
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strike (the top part of a ball in golf, baseball, or pool) giving it a forward spin-
cut the top off (syn: pinch)top trees and bushes
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be the culminating event (syn: crown)-
finish up or conclude (syn: top off)They topped off their dinner with a cognac
top the evening with champagne
adjective
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situated at the top or highest positionthe top shelf
Extra examples
Donations are expected to top $1,000,000 by the end of the month.
The song has topped the charts for seven weeks.
They topped the other company's offer.
She tops everyone else on the team.
I've seen some pretty weird things in my life—but that tops everything!
They live on the top floor of the building.
The top news story of the day
The country's top three car manufacturers
He is among the top pitchers of the league.
Safety is our top concern.
The winner showed top form.
Houses are selling at top prices.
What is the car's top speed?
The mountain was topped with snow.
He topped them all.
Phrasal verbs
top off
— finish up or conclude
top out
— give up one's career just as one becomes very successful
Word forms
verb
I/you/we/they: top
he/she/it: tops
present participle: topping
past tense: topped
past participle: topped
noun
singular: top
plural: tops
