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

The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.90, down from $2.63 in the year-prior quarter but also topping estimates for $1.71 for its fourth quarter, which ended on Feb. 28.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

That would be 8.6 times higher than the year-earlier figure, topping a FactSet-compiled consensus estimate of 39.140 trillion won.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

The other artists topping the bill included The Black Keys — who brought out John Fogerty for a Levon Helm tribute Weekend 2 — Radiohead, Pulp and Swedish House Mafia.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

Bond markets are selling off, with 2-year note yields topping 4%, signaling stagflation concerns.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

Slabs of real smoked salmon, hard-crusted artisanal breads, and a waffle station with every conceivable topping.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman