top dog
noun
: a person, group, or thing in a position of authority especially through victory in a hard-fought competition
Examples of top dog in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Overall, that’s where the Thunder won the series: Their youth and depth proved to be stronger than Denver’s in the long-run, and the Nuggets were too reliant on their top dogs.
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Shane Young, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
As soon as the underdog becomes the top dog, their defeat is to some a triumph.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 11 May 2025
This marks the first time the Tigers have entered the postseason as the sport’s top dog.
—Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
There’s a new top dog in women’s college gymnastics.
—Caroline Price, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for top dog
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Shane Young, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
As soon as the underdog becomes the top dog, their defeat is to some a triumph.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 11 May 2025
This marks the first time the Tigers have entered the postseason as the sport’s top dog.
—Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
There’s a new top dog in women’s college gymnastics.
—Caroline Price, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for top dog
Cite this Entry
“Top dog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top%20dog. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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