the highest point or part, as of a hill, a line of travel, or any object; top; apex.
the highest point of attainment or aspiration.
the summit of one's ambition.
the highest state or degree.
the highest level of diplomatic or other governmental officials.
a meeting at the summit.
to take part in a summit meeting.
to reach a summit.
summited after a 14-hour climb.
a city in NE New Jersey.
a city in NE Illinois.
the highest point or part, esp of a mountain or line of communication; top
the highest possible degree or state; peak or climax
the summit of ambition
the highest level, importance, or rank
a meeting at the summit
a meeting of chiefs of governments or other high officials
( as modifier )
a summit conference
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English somete, from Old French, from som “top” (from Latin summum, noun use of neuter of summus “highest”; see sum) + -ete -et
What better place for the mountain-climbing summit than on the summit of the mountain. A summit can mean either a meeting between people who are interested in the same subject or the peak of the mountain. Although originally meant to describe a meeting between the heads of state, summit can be used to describe any gathering of people who care deeply about the same topic. If, for example, you are the captain of your chess club, you might attend the upcoming Chess Club Summit, at which new rules of the tournament will be discussed. Moreover, while summit also means the very top of a mountain, summit can be used metaphorically to mean a variety of heights, such as the summit of a career, an industry, or any kind of major effort.
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Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At last October’s summit in Busan, South Korea, Washington threatened sweeping software export controls.
From MarketWatch • May 14, 2026
He noted the attack had taken place during a crucial summit between US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping, and urged the two leaders to exert pressure on Russia.
From BBC • May 14, 2026
Traders are focused on the summit between Washington and Beijing, which is centered on improving their economic relationship.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026
“There are those who say it may be the biggest summit ever,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026
After they quickly reached the summit and then went up and over the hill, it was as if Duane had been launched into space.
From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
