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.
The older Burnett would put on a top hat, a black suit, a red tie and a red handkerchief. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025 In his first-ever musical role — which later served him well playing the iconic singer Bob Dylan in 2024's A Complete Unknown — Chalamet slips into the comically large top hat of the titular chocolatier first introduced in Roald Dahl's 1964 novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Charlotte Walsh, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025 The patrons are in dresses, suits and fancy top hats. Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2025 James DiPaola, the High Sheriff of Middlesex, who also got to don that top hat every spring, loved his badge, often wore it with the top hat. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 15 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 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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