What does topless mean?
Topless is an adjective meaning without a covering on the upper body. Its most familiar contemporary use refers to a person, especially a woman, whose breasts are exposed; in this sense it is often connected with beaches, performances, or fashion and may carry sexual or objectifying connotations depending on the context. The word can also have a broader literal meaning: a garment, container, building, or food item may be described as topless when it lacks a top, upper layer, or covering. For example, a topless pie has no pastry lid, and a topless structure has no roof or upper shell. Topless is used in British and American English and can occur in formal reporting as well as informal speech. The word is formed from the English noun top and the suffix -less, meaning 'without,' and it has the related noun toplessness and the uncommon adverb toplessly.
adjectiveTopless means having no covering on the upper body. In contemporary usage it often describes someone whose breasts are exposed, but it can also mean lacking a top, upper layer, or covering.
- Having no covering on the upper body, especially with the breasts exposed.
- Lacking a top, upper layer, or covering.
"The beach became considerably more topless once the group changed into swimwear."
"Several performers danced topless on the stage."
"The bakery sells a topless apple pie, with the fruit arranged beneath a streusel topping."
Topless is older than its modern sexual associations: it originally meant simply 'without a top' before the word became a familiar description of bare-chested people.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does topless come from?
Topless is an English compound formed from top and the suffix -less, a development of Old English -lēas meaning 'without' or 'free from.' The compound has been attested since the early 17th century, initially in the general sense of lacking a top or upper part. Its modern association with exposed breasts developed later through the ordinary meaning of top as a garment covering the upper body. The element top belongs to a wider family including topmost, topical, and topography, which ultimately relate to the Greek topos, 'place.'
Related word forms
How topless is actually used
In its common modern sense, topless is descriptive but can be sexually suggestive or objectifying, depending on context. It is also used more literally for objects and food that lack an upper layer or topping.
Easily confused with topless
Shirtless means not wearing a shirt, whereas topless usually implies that the entire upper body, including the breasts, is uncovered.