adjective
over the top
OH-vuh thuh TOP
Over the top (adjective) means Excessive to the point of being ridiculous — far more dramatic, elaborate or extreme than the situation calls for. Example: “A twelve-tier cake for a first birthday is a bit over the top.”
adjective
1
Excessive to the point of being ridiculous — far more dramatic, elaborate or extreme than the situation calls for.
"A twelve-tier cake for a first birthday is a bit over the top."
"His acting was over the top, but the audience loved it."
2
media industry Of television or media, delivered directly to viewers over the internet rather than through a cable, satellite or broadcast provider.
"Every studio now runs its own over-the-top streaming service."
phrase
1
historical Out of a trench and into an attack, in accounts of First World War fighting.
"The order came at dawn to go over the top."
How to use over the top
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWay too much.
When to use it
Informal in the 'excessive' sense; hyphenate before a noun. Technical and neutral in the media sense.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a bit over the top
way over the top
over-the-top reaction
OTT platform
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Etymology
From the First World War phrase 'to go over the top', meaning to climb out of a trench parapet to attack; the sense of reckless excess developed from it.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for over the top
See all rhymes for over the top →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between over the top and OTT?
OTT is simply the abbreviation, used in informal writing and in the media industry. In the streaming sense OTT is the standard professional term; in the 'excessive' sense the full phrase is more usual in speech.
What does OTT mean in streaming?
It means content delivered over the open internet, going 'over the top' of a traditional cable or satellite operator's network. Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube are all OTT services because the viewer needs only an internet connection, not a TV subscription.
Is calling something over the top an insult?
Usually mildly critical, but it can be affectionate — a party, an outfit or a performance described as over the top may still be enjoyed. Tone decides it.
What is the meaning of over the top?
"over the top" (adjective) means excessive to the point of being ridiculous — far more dramatic, elaborate or extreme than the situation calls for.
