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

Few top-tier earnings were on tap this week, as well, and analysts are still pricing in roughly the same first and second quarter growth rates that they were at the end of last month.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

“Intel is now in a position to prove to clients and investors that their foundry is top-tier and competitive with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing,” Egor Tolmachev of Freedom Broker told MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

In the case of “Pretty Ugly,” there are some top-tier folks, and they are all enthusiastic without prompting.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

But factors other than size also influence fees: deal structure, regulatory complexity and strong demand for top-tier bankers with a record of closing major transactions, according to M&A lawyers and researchers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 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