topless

[ top-lis ]

adjective

1. lacking a top: tops:

   a topless bathing suit.

2. nude above the waist or hips:

   topless dancers.

3. featuring entertainers, waitresses, etc., who are nude above the waist or hips:

   a topless bar.

4. extremely high:

   a topless mountain.

5. Obsolete. without a peer.

topless

/ ˈtɒplɪs /

adjective

1. having no top
2. 1. denoting a costume which has no covering for the breasts
   2. wearing such a costume
3. archaic.
   immeasurably high

Derived Forms

• ˈtoplessness, noun

Other Words From

• topless·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of topless¹

First recorded in 1580–90; top ¹ + -less

Example Sentences

Luke says this assistant interviewed him over Skype, telling him to expect to be topless for the Madrid hotel photoshoot, but there were no obvious red flags.

From BBC

In a few minutes they graduated to full topless, whirling their shirts over their heads, before they were seemingly encouraged to leave by security.

From New York Times

Instead, the raciest bits are assigned to Colin, who gets to writhe about with topless sex workers in a make-out session implying a threesome.

From Salon

More worryingly, the Guardian alleged that the director “pulled women to sit on his lap,” and “tried to kiss some of the topless and scantily clad female extras” during a nightclub scene.

From Los Angeles Times

This year is particularly strong on topless male dancers.

From Seattle Times