big top

noun

1
: the main tent of a circus
2

Examples of big top 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.
Shows take place at the Circus Juventas big top arena; 1270 Montreal Ave. Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 20 July 2025 Flames and thick black smoke billowed from the big top. Jordan Friedman, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2025 Do Portugal Circus performs under a big top July 11 to 27 at Chicago Ridge Mall, 444 Ridgeland Ave., Chicago Ridge. Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 2 July 2025 The show played in a big top on Market Street in Hartford in 2010, then in a different format at the XL Center in 2016. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for big top

Word History

First Known Use

1763, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of big top was in 1763

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Cite this Entry

“Big top.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/big%20top. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

big top

noun
1
: the main tent of a circus
2

More from Merriam-Webster on big top

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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