untopped

Untopped is an English-language adjective that literally means not topped. It is used primarily to describe foods that are presented without any toppings or decorations. Common examples include untopped pizzas, untopped scones, untopped yogurts, and untopped cereals. In culinary contexts, labeling an item as untopped signals that the core ingredient is meant to be experienced in its natural state, or that any topping would be added by the consumer after purchase.

In a broader sense, untopped can describe surfaces or objects that lack a top layer, such as a container with an open top or a geometric shape whose top surface is not defined in a given diagram. It is often contrasted with topped, iced, glazed, or sauced.

Etymology: The word is formed by prefixing un- to the past participle topped, mirroring other negative constructions in English. It is encountered in modern usage due to the proliferation of menu labeling and food-writing.

Usage notes: Untopped is comparatively less common than related terms like plain, unadorned, or bare, and may be perceived as technical in some contexts. In standardized culinary labeling, more explicit terms such as "plain" or "no toppings" are commonly preferred, depending on regional conventions.