top dog

noun

: a person, group, or thing in a position of authority especially through victory in a hard-fought competition

Examples of top dog in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Only 12 states had Luna as the top dog name in 2025, in comparison to 21 states listing that name as the most popular for cats. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025 Seminole was previously the top dog in Seminole County with large-class state championships in 2008 and 2020. Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025 There has not been a moment since the St. Vincent-St. Mary days that LeBron James has not been top dog on his team, including when alongside Dwyane Wade with the Heat. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2025 Sporting’s guest for that 7:30 p.m. match is the top dog in the Western Conference, expansion side San Diego FC. Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for top dog

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of top dog was in 1900

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Cite this Entry

“Top dog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top%20dog. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

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