top-secret

[ top-see-krit ]

adjective

1. bearing the classification top-secret, the highest level of classified information.
2. limited to persons authorized to use anything so classified. Compare classification ( def 5 ).

top-secret

adjective

1. containing information whose disclosure would cause exceedingly grave damage to the nation and therefore classified as needing the highest level of secrecy and security

Word History and Origins

Origin of top-secret¹

First recorded in 1940–45; top ¹ + secret

Example Sentences

A fire that he insists is only picking up pace, according to top-secret intelligence briefings.

From The Daily Beast

By then everyone knew about bin Laden, but the details of what happened were top secret.

From The Daily Beast

They described the top-secret force in detail on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

From The Daily Beast

Almost no one outside the Special Operations Division knew about the Top Secret work going on inside.

From The Daily Beast

Her list of wealthy clients is top secret, but it does include names you would recognize.

From The Daily Beast

To Venex Robot: You are urgently needed on a top secret company project.

From Project Gutenberg

You ask the Cow to tell you what order you gave her making certain information top secret.

From Project Gutenberg

The Headquarters of the Air Forces have been advised that he was on a top secret mission.

From Project Gutenberg

Since we operate under security, every person who works on the base is fully investigated and cleared for top secret.

From Project Gutenberg

Once a security check for top secret is completed, there is literally nothing of importance that isn't known about a person.

From Project Gutenberg