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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.


Etymology

Origin of top-tier

First recorded in 1940–45; top 1 ( def. ) + tier 1 ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He also ended a 12-year title drought for U.S. men at top-tier ATP events like Indian Wells by capturing the crown here four years ago.

From Los Angeles Times

But over the past decade they have given way to centres that allow firms to tap top-tier talent and technology, where white-collar staff perform tasks ranging from IT and data analytics to innovation and design.

From Barron's

During its hiring spree, the team could post want ads only for a “top-tier motor sport project.”

From The Wall Street Journal

While most nonbank loans still perform well, significant dispersion exists between top-tier and bottom-tier assets, according to an industry participant.

From The Wall Street Journal

Barring a cull of that workforce, Spurs will have to keep paying top-tier European salaries while not even playing in the English top flight.

From BBC