top-tier

American  

[top-teer] / ˈtɒpˈtɪər /

adjective

1. of or among the highest rank, level, importance, or quality.

   It was again named the top-tier exterior house paint.

   She was sought after by three top-tier college basketball teams.

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Etymology

Origin of top-tier

First recorded in 1940–45; top ¹ ( def. ) + tier ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

There are many who support a top-tier side and also a local team further down the footballing pyramid.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

NordVPN is a top-tier provider, perhaps the most popular VPN provider out there, it’s bound to have a lot going for it.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

He also ended a 12-year title drought for U.S. men at top-tier ATP events like Indian Wells by capturing the crown here four years ago.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026

But over the past decade they have given way to centres that allow firms to tap top-tier talent and technology, where white-collar staff perform tasks ranging from IT and data analytics to innovation and design.

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

I wanted the best of both worlds—the thrill and the drama of high school with all my friends and a top-tier gymnastics career.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles