top-secret

American  

[top-see-krit] / ˈtɒpˈsi krɪt /

adjective

1. bearing the classification top-secret, the highest level of classified information.

2. limited to persons authorized to use anything so classified.

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top-secret British  

adjective

1. containing information whose disclosure would cause exceedingly grave damage to the nation and therefore classified as needing the highest level of secrecy and security

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Etymology

Origin of top-secret

First recorded in 1940–45; top ¹ + secret

Example Sentences

She confessed to harboring a top-secret method that has never failed her.

From The Wall Street Journal

The dance teacher said she auditioned for an "unknown artist" and once cast, the top-secret job involved being sent to the filming location in discreet transport.

From BBC

“My parents aren’t top-secret scientists, I can tell you that. And nobody’s ever tried to make us move.”

From Literature

Not when I’m holding top-secret correspondence from my runaway mother.

From Literature

They wanted a few British code breakers, and a few from France as well, to come to Poland for a top-secret meeting.

From Literature