top banana

The term "top banana" originally referred to the leading comedian in a vaudeville act but has since evolved to describe someone of high importance or excellence in various contexts.

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Definition

B2General

(informal)The most important or influential person in a group or organization.

Example

  • In the tech company, she's the top banana who makes all the critical decisions.

C1Entertainment

(dated)The leading comedian in a variety or burlesque show.

Example

  • Back in the day, he was the top banana in the vaudeville circuit.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "top banana":

second bananatop dogbanana paperbig enchiladago bananastop billingbig toptop tier