top hat

¹

noun

1. a tall, cylindrical hat with a stiff brim usually slightly curved on the sides, worn by men especially on formal occasions.

top-hat

²

[ top-hat ]

adjective

1. of or relating to polite or fashionable society.

top hat

noun

1. a man's hat with a tall cylindrical crown and narrow brim, often made of silk, now worn for some formal occasions Also calledhigh hat

Word History and Origins

Origin of top hat¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Origin of top hat²

First recorded in 1890–95; adj. use of top hat

Example Sentences

In his earlier incarnations on the page and screen, the Penguin was a demented society swell whose signature accouterments were a top hat, a monocle and a trick umbrella.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s accompanied by hand-drawn charcoal illustrations that depict a creature with an old-fashioned top hat, a pair of bulging eyes, a matching devious grin and a bulky long coat that hides spindly hands.

From Los Angeles Times

“I did a community relations deal with the Chiefs and read a Dr. Seuss book to a bunch of preschoolers,” recalled Kelce, who wore a towering red-and-white-striped top hat to the event.

From Los Angeles Times

Pictures from the event showed Prince William wearing a top hat and morning dress as he arrived at the races in a horse-drawn carriage.

From BBC

Coated head to toe in eye-catching gold paint, they stood perfectly still, leaning on glimmering canes and tipping their top hats open.

From New York Times