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

Then Lily pulls out a complicated game involving a frog that eats worms, burps bubbles, and—for reasons I cannot comprehend—wears a top hat.

From Literature

Marco walked up as Chase was staring at a painting of a man holding a whip, dressed in a red coat, white pants, knee-high black boots, and a black top hat.

From Literature

Other counterprotesters mockingly impersonated billionaires by donning crowns or top hats.

From Los Angeles Times

He wore a genuine top hat, like Honest Abe Lincoln —he was president once, you know.

From Literature

To his left was a shelf lined with top hats.

From Literature