topknot

American  

[top-not] / ˈtɒpˌnɒt /

noun

1. a tuft of hair growing on the top of the head.

2. hair fashioned into a knob or ball on top of the head.

3. a tuft or crest of feathers on the head of a bird.

4. a knot or bow of ribbon worn on the top of the head.

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topknot British  

/ ˈtɒpˌnɒt /

noun

1. a crest, tuft, decorative bow, chignon, etc, on the top of the head

2. any of several European flatfishes of the genus Zeugopterus and related genera, esp Z. punctatus, which has an oval dark brown body marked with darker blotches: family Bothidae (turbot, etc)

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Etymology

Origin of topknot

First recorded in 1680–90; top ¹ + knot ¹

Example Sentences

His topknot had just been cut off as a forfeit for losing out on a challenge to a colleague at the direct sales company for which he worked in 2018.

From BBC • Aug. 22, 2022

Several of Max-Karl Winkler’s subjects are enclosed within circles, and in his “The Checkered Scarf,” a woman’s torso, topknot and titular scarf all protrude from the oblong that contains her head.

From Washington Post • Jul. 7, 2021

One of them wears a topknot, another checks her pedometer.

From The New Yorker • Apr. 8, 2019

“BlacKkKlansman” actress Laura Harrier also went for an up-do but more of a chic topknot, one that could easily be worn in off-time as easily as it could on the red carpet.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2019

Her costume would still turn heads, but at least now she didn’t have to worry about a big red topknot giving away her location.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo