1 B1 neutral
To add a small amount of liquid to a container or glass that is almost, but not completely, full.
"The waiter offered to top off our wine glasses before the main course arrived."
separable
top off
B1 neutral separable transitive
To add a small amount to something that is nearly full, or to finish something with a final touch.
In plain English
To add a little more to something that's almost full, or to end something perfectly.
What does "top off" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To complete or conclude something, especially a meal or event, with a final element.
"We topped off the perfect evening with a walk along the beach."
separable
3 B1 neutral
To fill a vehicle's fuel tank completely, usually when it is nearly empty.
"I stopped at the service station to top off the tank before the long drive."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To add liquid until it reaches the top of a container.
Actually means
To add a little more to something that's almost full, or to end something perfectly.
Usage tip
In American English, commonly used at petrol stations or in restaurants ('Can I top off your coffee?'). Also used figuratively to mean adding a final flourish to an experience or meal. Less common in British English, where 'top up' is preferred.
Words that pair with "top off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
tank glass coffee meal evening drink
How to conjugate "top off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
top off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tops off
he/she/it
Past simple
toped off
yesterday
Past participle
toped off
have + pp
-ing form
toping off
continuous
Hear "top off" in the wild
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Other ways to say "top off"
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