summit

¹ American  

[suhm-it] / ˈsʌm ɪt /

noun

1. the highest point or part, as of a hill, a line of travel, or any object; top; apex.

   Synonyms:

   pinnacle, peak

   Antonyms:

   base

2. the highest point of attainment or aspiration.

   the summit of one's ambition.

   Synonyms:

   culmination, zenith, acme

3. the highest state or degree.

   Synonyms:

   culmination, zenith, acme

4. the highest level of diplomatic or other governmental officials.

   a meeting at the summit.

5. summit meeting.

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adjective

1. of or relating to a summit meeting.

   summit talks.

verb (used without object)

1. to take part in a summit meeting.

2. to reach a summit.

   summited after a 14-hour climb.

verb (used with object)

1. to reach the summit of.

Summit ² American  

[suhm-it] / ˈsʌm ɪt /

noun

1. a city in NE New Jersey.

2. a city in NE Illinois.

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summit British  

/ ˈsʌmɪt /

noun

1. the highest point or part, esp of a mountain or line of communication; top

2. the highest possible degree or state; peak or climax

   the summit of ambition

3. the highest level, importance, or rank

   a meeting at the summit

4. 1. a meeting of chiefs of governments or other high officials

   2. ( as modifier )

      a summit conference

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Other Word Forms

• minisummit noun
• presummit adjective
• summital adjective
• summitless adjective

Etymology

Origin of summit

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English somete, from Old French, from som “top” (from Latin summum, noun use of neuter of summus “highest”; see sum) + -ete -et

Explanation

What better place for the mountain-climbing summit than on the summit of the mountain. A summit can mean either a meeting between people who are interested in the same subject or the peak of the mountain. Although originally meant to describe a meeting between the heads of state, summit can be used to describe any gathering of people who care deeply about the same topic. If, for example, you are the captain of your chess club, you might attend the upcoming Chess Club Summit, at which new rules of the tournament will be discussed. Moreover, while summit also means the very top of a mountain, summit can be used metaphorically to mean a variety of heights, such as the summit of a career, an industry, or any kind of major effort.

Example Sentences

The United States will invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to a G20 summit in Miami, a US official said Thursday, but President Donald Trump said he doubted his counterpart would come.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

Kenyan President William Ruto, speaking at the AFC summit, said the war showed the need for Africa to stop relying on outsiders.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

Putin has not participated in a G20 summit since 2019, first because of the coronavirus pandemic and then due to the war.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

She believes the summit scheduled for May will temper China's response to the war.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Two giant arrays of cracks spread across the entire summit area.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone