top

The word “top” means the highest point or part of something. In plain terms, the highest part of anything, or (as a verb) to beat or exceed something, or add a final layer on top.

“Top” is pronounced top (/tɑp/ in IPA).

Here is “top” used in a sentence: “They finally reached the top of the mountain at noon.”

Depending on how it is used, “top” can be a noun, a verb and an adjective.

The word “top” comes from Old English. From Old English topp, meaning the highest part or summit of something — the same root that gives us words like "topple".

“Top” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Top” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the highest point or part of something.

'Top' is the general word for the highest part of anything — the top of a page, a bottle, or a hill. 'Peak' refers specifically to a pointed summit, most often of a mountain, and can also mean the highest level of achievement. Every peak is a top, but not every top is a peak.

The opposite of 'top' is 'bottom' — the lowest point or part of something. Depending on context, 'base,' 'foot,' or 'underside' can also serve. The top of the stairs leads down to the bottom; the top of a page sits above its foot. 'Top' and 'bottom' are the most common pair.

You might say, 'The book is on the top of the shelf,' meaning its highest part. Other examples include 'She reached the top of the mountain' or 'Write your name at the top of the page.' In each case, 'top' points to the uppermost point or surface of something.