The Britannica Dictionary
mobile search
Home
Ask the Editor
Word of the Day
Quizzes
Core Vocabulary
Browse the Dictionary
×
Britannica Homepage
Ask the Editor
Word of the Day
Quizzes
Core Vocabulary
Browse the Dictionary
The Britannica Dictionary
top–down
1 ENTRIES FOUND:
top–down
(adjective)
top–down
/
ˈ
tɑːp
ˈ
daʊn/
adjective
top–down
/
ˈ
tɑːp
ˈ
daʊn/
adjective
Britannica Dictionary definition of TOP–DOWN
always used before a noun
1
:
controlled or directed from the highest levels
top-down
management
[+] more examples
[-] hide examples
[+] Example sentences
[-] Hide examples
—
opposite
bottom-up
2
:
starting with a general idea and having details gradually added
top-down
programming/design
[+] more examples
[-] hide examples
[+] Example sentences
[-] Hide examples
ASK THE EDITOR
What are the plural forms of
check-in
,
passerby
, and
spoonful
?
See the answer »
QUIZZES
Vocabulary Quiz
Test your word power
Take the Quiz »
Name That Thing
Take our visual quiz
Test Your Knowledge »
WORD OF THE DAY
enamored
:
in a state in which you love, admire, or are very interested in something or someone
Learn More »