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

It made absolutely no sense, but she delivered it with such panache that it barely mattered – even when she ended the performance by pulling a dove out of a top hat.

From BBC • Feb. 2, 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

She donned a custom Marc Jacobs suit that was complete with a giant, hot pink bow at the back, a matching top hat and some unique bling.

From BBC • May 5, 2025

His face darkens and he waves his top hat and hook.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen