top dollar

noun

: the highest amount being paid for a commodity or service
… willing to pay top dollar to get them …—Dean Failey

Examples of top dollar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Delta Air Lines is unveiling new offerings for its Delta One cabin in an effort to make its highest-tier seats even more luxurious — and top dollar. — Mirtha Donastorg, AJC.com, 14 Oct. 2026 Whatever and whenever Washington decides, the courts have already established that athletics departments have to pay near top dollar for top talent. — Chris Park, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 There are low-budget neon casinos, pawn shops, all-night wedding chapels, and jewelry exchanges promising top dollar for coins, bullion, and scrap. — Jeff Weiss, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026 That means the fans are watching a lot of players who will be out of a job by Sunday evening — and paying top dollar to do so. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for top dollar

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of top dollar was in 1895

Rhymes for top dollar

See All Rhymes for top dollar

Browse Nearby Words

top dog
top dollar
top-down
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Top dollar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top%20dollar. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

top dollar

noun
: the highest amount being paid for an article, product, or service
paid top dollar for the tickets
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