top-shelf
adjective
1
: of the best quality
top-shelf products
Reading does have one top-shelf tourist attraction, a gorgeous pagoda that sits atop a mountain.—
Joe Queenan
Joe Queenan2
[from the placement of sexually explicit magazines for sale on high shelves out of the reach of children] British
: containing pornographic material
top-shelf magazines
This year, retailers are going to come under increased pressure to clean up their acts. Of course, they're not obliged to sell top-shelf mags.—The Grocer
The GrocerExamples of top-shelf in a Sentence
hoping to impress the new neighbors, she brought a top-shelf wine as a housewarming gift
Recent Examples on the Web
That festive atmosphere erupted when forward Will Lockwood converted a 2-on-1 rush with a top-shelf snipe that had fans leaping from their seats.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025
People gathered on the Sun Patio and experienced an impressive selection of top-shelf tequila and margarita samples providing bold flavors and even spicier vibes!
—Mark Maglio, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2025
The question of whether Sinners can not just crack Best Picture but become a true top-shelf contender is largely an issue of timing, and can’t be answered today.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 1 May 2025
Inside, the kitchen is anchored by a prep island and equipped with top-shelf appliances, including Wolf ovens and an induction cooktop for preparing pool-party snacks.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 28 Apr. 2025
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Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025
People gathered on the Sun Patio and experienced an impressive selection of top-shelf tequila and margarita samples providing bold flavors and even spicier vibes!
—Mark Maglio, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2025
The question of whether Sinners can not just crack Best Picture but become a true top-shelf contender is largely an issue of timing, and can’t be answered today.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 1 May 2025
Inside, the kitchen is anchored by a prep island and equipped with top-shelf appliances, including Wolf ovens and an induction cooktop for preparing pool-party snacks.
—Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for top-shelf
Cite this Entry
“Top-shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top-shelf. Accessed 19 May. 2025.
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