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

A chatbot is ready to take your order for a Mint Oreo Blizzard with cheesecake pieces and caramel topping.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

The band released their first album in 18 years in late 2023, with "Hackney Diamonds" topping the album charts in more than a dozen countries and earning some critical acclaim.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

For the first quarter, the company expects revenue of about $132 million to $140 million, topping expectations of $129.4 million.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

San Diego is one of the nation’s hottest housing markets, with average home prices hovering around $1 million and rents for a one-bedroom apartment topping $2,000 a month.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Chicken gasped when he saw a papier-mâché hammerhead topping an arrangement of shark books.

From "Caterpillar Summer" by Gillian McDunn