top hat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal
Quick answer
What does “top hat” mean?
A tall, cylindrical hat with a flat top, traditionally worn by men on formal occasions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tall, cylindrical hat with a flat top, traditionally worn by men on formal occasions.
Can refer to associated formal wear (e.g., 'top hat and tails') or in specific contexts like finance ('top hat pension plan').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal; both refer to the same item. In British English, it might be more commonly associated with traditional ceremonies like royal events.
Connotations
In both, it connotes formality and elegance; in American English, it may also carry a sense of nostalgia or old-fashioned charm.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English due to cultural practices.
Grammar
How to Use “top hat” in a Sentence
[wear] a top hat[with] a top hattop hat [made of] silkVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “top hat” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- a top-hat event
American English
- a top-hat ceremony
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a 'top hat' pension plan, a type of executive retirement benefit.
Academic
Studied in history or fashion courses as part of formal attire evolution.
Everyday
Used when discussing formal events like weddings or costume parties.
Technical
In millinery, refers to a specific hat design with precise measurements.
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “top hat”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “top hat”
- Misspelling as 'tophate' or 'top-hat' (hyphenated in some contexts, but standard is two words).
- Using in informal contexts where it seems out of place.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically written as two words: 'top hat'.
At formal events such as weddings, royal ceremonies, or certain traditional occasions.
Historically, top hats were for men, but in modern times, they can be worn by anyone as part of formal or costume attire.
It originated in the 18th century and became popular in the 19th century as formal wear for men.
A tall, cylindrical hat with a flat top, traditionally worn by men on formal occasions.
Top hat is usually formal in register.
Top hat: in British English it is pronounced /tɒp hæt/, and in American English it is pronounced /tɑp hæt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “top hat and tails”
- “pull a rabbit out of a top hat”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'top' as the highest part, and 'hat' for headwear; a top hat is a hat that sits on top, often associated with top-tier events.
Conceptual Metaphor
Symbolizes formality, tradition, and sometimes extravagance or illusion (as in magic).
Practice
Quiz
What is a common synonym for 'top hat'?