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

See Examples For:

top-tier

“If the Fed raises rates, I would expect some of the high, top-tier rates will ratchet up,” he said.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 14, 2026

And “California pairs a top-tier rate with by far the largest footprint” of fast-charging ports, about 17,400, the report says.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 4, 2026

With its top-tier schools, large residential lots and quiet living, generations of wealthy Chinese families have seen Arcadia as an ideal location to build a life in the United States.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 22, 2026

But many of the degrees they graduate with don’t prepare them adequately for top-tier jobs at big companies, while young people are growing more discerning about the jobs they want.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 15, 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

Related Words

• blue-ribbon
• first string
• first-class
• first-rate
• five-star
• outstanding
• top-flight
• top-level
• top-notch
• top-of-the-line
• top-ranking
• world-beating
• world-class