tiptop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, somewhat dated or playful.
Quick answer
What does “tiptop” mean?
The very best, highest standard, or peak condition.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The very best, highest standard, or peak condition.
Used to describe something of the utmost quality or excellence; also meaning physically at the very top.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Slightly more common in British English, but overall usage is similar.
Connotations
Often has a slightly old-fashioned or quaint feel in both varieties. Can sound enthusiastic or deliberately cheerful.
Frequency
Low frequency in formal contexts in both regions. More likely found in marketing, casual conversation, or literary descriptions.
Grammar
How to Use “tiptop” in a Sentence
be in tiptop [NOUN]keep [sth] in tiptop [NOUN]maintain [sth] in tiptop [NOUN]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tiptop” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The goalkeeper managed to tiptop the ball over the bar for a corner.
American English
- He tiptopped the fence to see the parade.
adverb
British English
- Everything went tiptop during the event.
American English
- The project is running tiptop so far.
adjective
British English
- The car is in absolutely tiptop condition after its service.
American English
- She's in tiptop shape for the marathon.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might be used in informal marketing ('tiptop service') to sound friendly.
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Used to describe the excellent condition of objects, health, or performance in casual speech.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tiptop”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing it with 'tip-top' (hyphenated variant is also accepted).
- Overusing it; it's a marked, emphatic word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and can sound somewhat old-fashioned or playfully enthusiastic. It is not suitable for formal writing.
As an adjective in the fixed phrase 'in tiptop condition/shape' to describe something as being in perfect order.
Very rarely. This usage is highly uncommon and would likely be understood as a playful or non-standard formation meaning 'to put at the very top'.
'Tiptop' is more specific and emphatic, often implying perfect physical condition or peak performance. 'Excellent' is a more general, common, and neutral term for high quality.
The very best, highest standard, or peak condition.
Tiptop: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɪpˈtɒp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtɪpˈtɑːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in tiptop shape/condition”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a spinning top that's perfectly balanced on its TIP – it's in TIPTOP condition.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUALITY IS HEIGHT (the best is at the top).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'tiptop' be LEAST appropriate?