to p-cla ss also top class ADJ Top-class means among the finest of its kind. □ We think he'll turn into a top-class player.
top|coat /tɒ pkoʊt/ (topcoats ) also top coat
1 N‑COUNT A topcoat is a coat that you wear over your other clothes.
2 N‑VAR A topcoat is the final layer of paint or varnish that is put on something. Topcoat is the type of paint or varnish that you use for the final layer. Compare undercoat .
to p do g (top dogs ) N‑COUNT If a person or organization is top dog , they are the most successful or powerful one in a particular group. [INFORMAL ] □ Reynolds has never concealed his ambition to be the top dog.
to p-do llar → see top
to p-dra wer ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone or something as top-drawer , you are saying, often in a humorous way, that they have a high social standing or are of very good quality.
to p-e nd ADJ Top-end products are expensive and of extremely high quality. [BUSINESS ] □ …top-end luxury products such as smoked salmon and champagne.
to p ha t (top hats ) N‑COUNT A top hat is a man's tall hat with a narrow brim. Top hats are now worn only on special occasions, for example at some weddings.
to p-hea vy
1 ADJ Something that is top-heavy is larger or heavier at the top than at the bottom, and might therefore fall over. □ …top-heavy flowers such as sunflowers.
2 ADJ If you describe a business or other organization as top-heavy , you mean that it has too many senior managers in relation to the number of junior managers or workers. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …top-heavy bureaucratic structures.
to|pi|ary /toʊ piəri, [AM ] -eri/ N‑UNCOUNT Topiary is the art of cutting trees and bushes into different shapes, for example into the shapes of birds or animals.
top|ic /tɒ p I k/ (topics ) N‑COUNT A topic is a particular subject that you discuss or write about. □ The main topic for discussion is political union.
topi|cal /tɒ p I k ə l/ ADJ Topical is used to describe something that concerns or relates to events that are happening at the present time. □ The magazine's aim is to discuss topical issues within a Christian framework. ● topi|cal|ity /tɒ p I kæ l I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] The book has all the lively topicality of first-rate journalism.
top|knot /tɒ pnɒt/ (topknots ) also top-knot N‑COUNT If someone, especially a woman, has her hair in a topknot , her hair is arranged in a small neat pile on top of her head.
top|less /tɒ pləs/
1 ADJ [ADJ after v, ADJ n, v-link ADJ ] If a woman goes topless , she does not wear anything to cover her breasts. □ I wouldn't sunbathe topless if I thought I might offend anyone.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] A topless show or bar is one in which the female entertainers or staff do not wear anything to cover their breasts.
to p-le vel ADJ [ADJ n] A top-level discussion or activity is one that involves the people with the greatest amount of power and authority in an organization or country. □ …a top-level meeting of American generals at the Pentagon.
top|most /tɒ pmoʊst/ ADJ [ADJ n] The topmost thing in a number of things is the one that is highest or nearest the top. □ …the topmost branches of a gigantic oak tree.
to p-no tch also top notch ADJ If you describe someone or something as top-notch , you mean that they are of a very high standard or quality. [INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]
topo|graphi|cal /tɒ pəgræ f I k ə l/ ADJ [usu ADJ n] A topographical survey or map relates to or shows the physical features of an area of land, for example its hills, valleys, and rivers.
to|pog|ra|phy /təpɒ grəfi/ (topographies )
1 N‑UNCOUNT Topography is the study and description of the physical features of an area, for example its hills, valleys, or rivers, or the representation of these features on maps.
2 N‑COUNT [usu sing, with poss] The topography of a particular area is its physical shape, including its hills, valleys, and rivers. □ [+ of ] The topography of the river's basin has changed significantly since the floods.
top|ping /tɒ p I ŋ/ (toppings )
1 N‑VAR A topping is food, such as cream or cheese, that is poured or put on top of other food in order to decorate it or add to its flavour.
2 → see also top
top|ple /tɒ p ə l/ (topples , toppling , toppled )
1 VERB If someone or something topples somewhere or if you topple them, they become unsteady or unstable and fall over. □ [V adv/prep] He just released his hold and toppled slowly backwards. □ [V n] Winds and rain toppled trees and electricity lines. [Also V ] ● PHRASAL VERB Topple over means the same as topple . □ [V P ] The tree is so badly damaged they are worried it might topple over.
2 VERB To topple a government or leader, especially one that is not elected by the people, means to cause them to lose power. [JOURNALISM ] □ [V n] …the revolution which toppled the regime.
to p-ra nked ADJ [ADJ n] A top-ranked sports player or team is the most successful player or team in a particular sport. [JOURNALISM ]
to p-ra nking ADJ [ADJ n] A top-ranking person is someone who has a very high rank or status in a particular organization or field of activity. □ …400 of Germany's top-ranking military officials.
to p-ra ted ADJ [ADJ n] A top-rated show or service is the most successful or highly regarded of its kind. [JOURNALISM ] □ …the top-rated American television series.
to p rou nd N‑UNCOUNT Top round is a joint of beef that is cut from the upper part of the cow's leg. It is usually cooked by roasting or stewing. [AM ] in BRIT, use topside