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• top hat
  top hat

  noun

  a tall, cylindrical hat with a stiff brim usually slightly curved on the sides, worn by men especially on formal occasions.
• top-hat
  top-hat

  adjective

  of or relating to polite or fashionable society.

top hat

¹ American  

noun

1. a tall, cylindrical hat with a stiff brim usually slightly curved on the sides, worn by men especially on formal occasions.

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top-hat ² American  

[top-hat] / ˈtɒpˈhæt /

adjective

1. of or relating to polite or fashionable society.

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top hat British  

noun

1. Also called: high hat.  a man's hat with a tall cylindrical crown and narrow brim, often made of silk, now worn for some formal occasions

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Etymology

Origin of top hat¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Origin of top-hat²

First recorded in 1890–95; adj. use of top hat

Example Sentences

At the movie’s premiere, Dolan embodied the wizard, appearing in an emerald green suit and top hat.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

It’s all just bravado and illusion in a show where the magician has no bunnies left to pull from his top hat.

From Salon • May 28, 2026

A commercial artist added the top hat, monocle and cane.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 26, 2025

Wearing the Wizard’s green top hat and suit and with his microphone dropping out inauspiciously, Dolan never introduced himself, but he did compliment the other creators of the event, who also wore costumes.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 3, 2025

I see August’s top hat approaching on my left and move instead to my right, past the line of zebras.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen