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”; sum ) + -ete -et

Example Sentences

President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping had been scheduled to meet in Beijing around April 1, a summit that has been pushed back to mid-May.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

In the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower in Dubai, passengers cannot ride a single elevator from ground to summit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Meanwhile, some 40 nations held a virtual summit to discuss its reopening.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Sir Keir said this year's summit "will not just ratify existing commitments made at last year's summit" but would be "more ambitious".

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

At the summit of the hill, the mighty blocks of stone lay as if crushed by a giant fist.

From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander