top billing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal
Quick answer
What does “top billing” mean?
The first or most prominent position in a list of performers or advertised features, especially in entertainment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The first or most prominent position in a list of performers or advertised features, especially in entertainment.
The position of greatest importance, prominence, or attention in any context, implying priority or preeminence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase is used identically in both varieties. The underlying concept of 'billing' is understood in the same theatrical/entertainment context.
Connotations
Positive connotations of success, recognition, and priority. Can be used competitively ('fighting for top billing').
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English, given the shared global entertainment industry.
Grammar
How to Use “top billing” in a Sentence
[Subject] gets/receives top billing.[Subject] gives [Indirect Object] top billing.Top billing goes to [Performer/Feature].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “top billing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The festival organisers decided to top-bill the local band this year.
American English
- The network will top-bill the new drama in its fall promotions.
adjective
British English
- She was the top-billed actress in the West End production.
American English
- He landed a top-billed role in the studio's biggest franchise.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe the most important client, product, or agenda item in a presentation or report.
Academic
Rare. Might be used metaphorically in humanities discussing cultural prominence of ideas.
Everyday
Used figuratively for any situation where someone/something gets the most attention.
Technical
Specific term in the entertainment industry for contractually agreed prominence in credits and advertising.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “top billing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “top billing”
- Using 'top billing' to mean a high salary (it's about prominence, not pay).
- Using it as a verb without 'get' or 'give' (e.g., 'He top-billed the show' is non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is commonly used figuratively in business, sports, and everyday contexts to mean 'the most prominent position or attention'.
No. While the top-billed performer is often the highest paid, the phrase specifically refers to contractual prominence in credits and advertising, not directly to salary.
They are very similar. 'Headlining' often implies being the main act in a concert or show, while 'top billing' is the specific term for the first name listed in official credits and ads.
Absolutely. In product launches or website design, the most emphasized new feature is often said to get 'top billing'.
The first or most prominent position in a list of performers or advertised features, especially in entertainment.
Top billing is usually informal in register.
Top billing: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɒp ˈbɪl.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtɑːp ˈbɪl.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Steal the top billing”
- “Top billing or bust”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a theatre poster: the biggest name at the TOP of the BILL (the list) gets TOP BILLING.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS VISUAL PROMINENCE (bigger/higher on the list). COMPETITION IS A SHOW (vying for the best 'spot').
Practice
Quiz
What does 'top billing' primarily refer to?