toppers

Toppers, the plural of topper, is a general term that describes items or people associated with being placed at the top in a particular context. The term is used across different domains, including education, baking, and decorative arts.

In education, "toppers" refers to students who achieve the highest marks or ranks in a class or exam. Toppers may be celebrated in school announcements, newspapers, or award ceremonies. The usage is common in several countries, particularly in South Asia, where top performers are commonly dubbed "toppers" by media and institutions.

In baking and confectionery, a cake topper is an ornament placed on top of a cake to indicate occasion, theme, or recipient. Toppers can be non-edible (plastic, metal, or wooden) or edible (fondant, sugar paste, or wafer sheets). Custom toppers may display names, ages, or messages for birthdays, weddings, and other events.

In decorative arts, a tree topper is an ornament placed at the apex of a Christmas tree. Common toppers include stars, angels, bows, and lighted figures; modern toppers may be battery-powered or LED-lit and are made from various materials.

The term can also extend to other uses, such as cover pieces on books or articles, or to hats and headwear informally referred to as toppers. The exact meaning depends on the context.