top dollar

noun

: the highest amount being paid for a commodity or service
willing to pay top dollar to get themDean 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.
If there's a team in the league that's willing to pay top dollar for the star catcher, a trade could come to fruition. Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025 Trouble is, the Chiefs already are paying top dollar or just below it at numerous positions. Vahe Gregorian july 16, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2025 This ownership group has never been inclined to pay top dollar for their managers. Brittany Ghiroli, New York Times, 10 July 2025 These big tech companies are paying top dollar for large swaths of land: Last month, Google paid $741,000 an acre for nearly 85 acres in New Albany’s Business Park. Jemima McEvoy, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Top dollar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/top%20dollar. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

top dollar

noun
: the highest amount being paid for an article, product, or service
paid top dollar for the tickets
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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