top billing

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noun Theater.

the first or most prominent position in a list of actors or entertainers, as on a marquee or screen.

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Origin of top billing

First recorded in 1940–45

A lot of the magic and creativity you see often comes from the hundreds of names that aren’t getting the top billing or at the awards shows.
Why TV and Film Workers Just Authorized One of the Biggest Strikes in Hollywood History|Andrew R. Chow|October 4, 2021|Time
Rhubarb brings the tartness to a relish that’s perfect for meat or fishFor those focused on looks, the cake is most attractive fresh out of the oven, but its taste still receives top billing for a few days.
Rhubarb shines in this upside-down cornmeal cake|Aaron Hutcherson|June 3, 2021|Washington Post
Feisty, redheaded Ramona first received top billing in 1955 with the publication of “Beezus and Ramona.”
Beverly Cleary, beloved author who chronicled schoolyard scrapes and feisty kids, dies at 104|Harrison Smith, Becky Krystal|March 26, 2021|Washington Post
There is a particular focus in the magazine on attacking the United States, which al Qaeda calls a top target.
U.S. Spies See Al Qaeda Fingerprints on Paris Massacre|Shane Harris, Nancy A. Youssef|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST

In the meantime, Epstein has tried to use his charitable projects to float him back to the top.
Sleazy Billionaire’s Double Life Featured Beach Parties With Stephen Hawking|M.L. Nestel|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
If so, he has his silence -- on top of poor judgment -- to blame.
The Price of Steve Scalise’s Silence|Jason Berry|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
One of its top officials is the current minister of the interior in Baghad.
What an Iranian Funeral Tells Us About the Wars in Iraq|IranWire|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Pulling oil from the tar sands is costly, even more so when you tack transportation costs on top.
Fact-Checking the Sunday Shows: Jan. 4|PunditFact.com|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
He came to the top of the stairs with a lamp in his hand, and wanted to know what the rumpus was about.
The Bondboy|George W. (George Washington) Ogden
The offspring of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches, and make a noise as unclean roots upon the top of a rock.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
The jagged top and spurs of San Jacinto Mountain shone like the turrets and posterns of a citadel built of rubies.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson
The way was under a double row of tall trees, which met at the top and formed a green arch over our heads.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
In fact, his appearance was so formidable that Davy did not pause for a second look, but started off at the top of his speed.
Davy and The Goblin|Charles E. Carryl