top hat

noun

: a tall-crowned hat usually of beaver or silk

Examples of top hat in a Sentence

He wore a top hat and tails.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a portrait that is emblematic of her art, Gottfried photographed a circus entertainer dressed in a top hat and white tie, accompanied by his two canine partners, also formally attired, the large Doberman pinscher in a white tie and a turban, the miniature pinscher with a frilly collar. Arthur Lubow, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025 Even worse, the tour in support of the album featured giant inflatable rabbits emerging from top hats. Al Shipley, SPIN, 12 Feb. 2025 This year marks the 139th time the event has occurred, according to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office, The men in top hats surrounding Phil during the ceremony are members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle. Jon Haworth, ABC News, 2 Feb. 2025 Everyone played in their pajamas and the umpire was a child in a top hat. Sean McGowan, The New Yorker, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for top hat

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of top hat was in 1864

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Top hat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top%20hat. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

top hat

noun
: a man's hat with a tall crown

More from Merriam-Webster on top hat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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