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

Derived Forms

• untopping
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of topping

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

Example Sentences

Some are standing on the rim, seeing the canyon for the first time and topping off a water bottle before continuing their trip.

From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 2026

The company reported revenue of $10.7 billion for the April quarter, up 40% from a year ago and topping the $9.8 billion that analysts tracked by FactSet had been expecting.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026

TikTok is filled with Backrooms-themed clips - cumulatively topping 30bn views - highlighting the popularity of this 90s-themed landscape with Gen Z.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

With average gas prices topping $6 in Los Angeles, it can be painful to watch your fuel gauge creep toward “E” during a day out around town.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

Grandpop started to pile his eggs on his toast, grits on top of that, topping it all with a slice of bacon.

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds