1
: controlled, directed, or instituted from the top level
a top-down corporate structure
2
: proceeding by breaking large general aspects (as of a problem) into smaller more detailed constituents : working from the general to the specific
top-down programming
top-down design

Examples of top-down in a Sentence

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.
And shout out again to everyone at the top-down, including our producer and production manager there. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2024 Shifting from a top-down leadership model to one that values inclusivity and collaboration could appeal to Gen Z's expectations for workplace culture. Chris Westfall, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 Sandra den Hamer, CEO of the Netherlands Film Fund, highlighted that the treaty emerged from grassroots interest rather than top-down policy. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Dec. 2024 Some on the right have envied the ability of the identity-politics Left to seize the commanding heights of progressive politics and enact a top-down social revolution. Fred Bauer, National Review, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for top-down 

Word History

Etymology

from the phrase from the top down

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of top-down was in 1930

Dictionary Entries Near top-down

Cite this Entry

“Top-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top-down. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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