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top2 S1 W1
1 nearest to the top of something [≠ bottom]: 
the top button of his shirtI managed to scrape off the top layer of paint. I found the letter in the top drawer of his desk.
highest
[only before noun]
the top button of his shirtI managed to scrape off the top layer of paint.I found the letter in the top drawer of his desk.2 best or most successful : our top tennis players a top New York salon one of the world's top engineering companies people in top jobs She got top marks. The top score was 72.
best
[usually before noun]our top tennis playersa top New York salonone of the world's top engineering companiespeople in top jobsShe got top marks.The top score was 72.3 winning in a game or competition Despite losing last night, Manchester United are still top (=the highest in a list of clubs in a competition).
winning
Despite losing last night, Manchester United are still top (=the highest in a list of clubs in a competition).4 expressions meaning the picture at the top of a page on the left or right or in the centre, used in magazines and newspapers : Top right: silk blouse £195 from Harrods.
top left/right/centre
TCNTop right: silk blouse £195 from Harrods.5 the fastest speed a vehicle can move at : We tore down the motorway at top speed. a sports car with a top speed of 140 miles per hour
top speed
We tore down the motorway at top speed.a sports car with a top speed of 140 miles per hour6 the thing that you think is most important : Education is this government's top priority.
top priority
Education is this government's top priority.7 very good : Clive's a top bloke.
good
British English spoken informalClive's a top bloke.