topping

American  

[top-ing] / ˈtɒp ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that tops.

2. a distinct part forming a top to something.

3. something put on a thing at the top to complete it, as a sauce or garnish placed on food.

4. toppings, the parts removed in topping or cropping plants, as branches.

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adjective

1. rising above something else; overtopping.

2. very high in rank, degree, etc.

3. Chiefly British Informal. excellent; wonderful.

topping British  

/ ˈtɒpɪŋ /

noun

1. something that tops something else, esp a sauce or garnish for food

2. angling part of a brightly-coloured feather, usually from a golden pheasant crest, used to top some artificial flies

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adjective

1. high or superior in rank, degree, etc

2. slang excellent; splendid

Other Word Forms

• untopping adjective

Etymology

Origin of topping

1300–50; Middle English: top part; top ¹, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

His fastball sat between 91 and 93 mph, topping out at 94.9 mph.

From Los Angeles Times

India, the world's most populous nation, is the 10th largest market for Brazilian exports, with bilateral trade topping $15 billion in 2025.

From Barron's

The world's most populous nation is already the 10th largest market for Brazilian exports, with bilateral trade topping $15 billion in 2025.

From Barron's

In the halfpipe training she did do she looked in imperious form, and qualified for Saturday's final in fifth place, with Great Britain's Zoe Atkin, also a Stanford student, topping the standings.

From BBC

"Winning the gold medal was the topping on the cake."

From Barron's