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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

She went on to dance for many years, reaching what she said was "a decent standard", and even performed on stage in a top hat and tails.

From BBC • Dec. 19, 2025

Whitten stood on stage in a top hat and his hair in a zany afro — which was actually a weave installed by four Senegalese women for the price of $2,600, says Sykes.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2025

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 26, 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