top-shelf
adjective
1
: of the best quality
top-shelf products
Reading does have one top-shelf tourist attraction, a gorgeous pagoda that sits atop a mountain.—
Joe Queenan
Joe Queenan2
[from the placement of sexually explicit magazines for sale on high shelves out of the reach of children] British
: containing pornographic material
top-shelf magazines
This year, retailers are going to come under increased pressure to clean up their acts. Of course, they're not obliged to sell top-shelf mags.—The Grocer
The GrocerExamples of top-shelf in a Sentence
hoping to impress the new neighbors, she brought a top-shelf wine as a housewarming gift
Recent Examples on the Web
Since 2014, the ACL Hall of Fame has honored artists who have played an essential role in the series’ half-century as a premier supporter of top-shelf music.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
What this means: After spending significant resources over the past week to upgrade the offensive line, the Bears turned their attention to the defensive front with a top-shelf signing from the edge rusher aisle.
—Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
Each resident will receive a custom decanter and access to a personal locker, ideal for storing top-shelf spirits.
—Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Soft drinks, beer, liquor and house wines are complimentary, with a small selection of top-shelf spirits and Champagne at a premium.
—Scott Campbell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for top-shelf
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Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
What this means: After spending significant resources over the past week to upgrade the offensive line, the Bears turned their attention to the defensive front with a top-shelf signing from the edge rusher aisle.
—Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
Each resident will receive a custom decanter and access to a personal locker, ideal for storing top-shelf spirits.
—Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Soft drinks, beer, liquor and house wines are complimentary, with a small selection of top-shelf spirits and Champagne at a premium.
—Scott Campbell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for top-shelf
Cite this Entry
“Top-shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top-shelf. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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