What does topper mean?
A topper is someone who is exceptionally good at something, particularly a student who achieves the best results in a class. The word can also refer more broadly to an outstanding person, thing, or performance: a design might be called a topper, for example, while it remains informal in tone. In British English, topper is also an adjective meaning “excellent” or “first-rate.” A separate, older sense denotes a hat, especially a tall top hat, and the expression “old topper” can refer affectionately or teasingly to an elderly person. Historically, the word developed from top, the ordinary English word for the highest point or position. Its associations with success and excellence make it especially suitable for informal praise, although its frequent use in schools and competitive contexts can also make it sound familiar or mildly sardonic.
An outstanding person or thing; especially, a student who achieves the highest results in a class or competition.
"He came top in the class and was the school's topper."
The sense of an outstanding person is informal; the academic sense is particularly associated with British and Commonwealth English.
A hat, especially a tall top hat.
"The performer appeared on stage wearing a black topper."
This sense is now old-fashioned and occurs mainly in descriptions of formal or historical dress.
Informally, excellent or first-rate.
"She gave a topper performance throughout the tournament."
Chiefly British and informal in contemporary usage.
The standard plural is used for multiple outstanding people or things, or multiple hats in the older sense.
"The two sisters were both class toppers."
A topper began as a person at the top of a class and grew into an all-purpose word for anything outstanding.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does topper come from?
Topper is an English derivative formed from top and the suffix -er, which can indicate a person or thing associated with an action or role. The word is recorded by the early nineteenth century and originally referred to someone who occupied the highest place, such as the leading student in a class. Its modern sense for an outstanding person or thing developed from that association, while the separate meaning for a type of hat reflects its connection with top clothing.
Related word forms
How topper is actually used
The word is informal when describing an outstanding person or thing and is especially common in British English. The sense meaning an excellent person can be dismissive or teasing when used of someone viewed as a high achiever. As an adjective, it is chiefly British and informal. The hat sense is now somewhat old-fashioned.
Easily confused with topper
A topper is someone or something outstanding, whereas a toper is a person who drinks alcohol heavily.