topless
UK: ˈtɒpləs | US: ˈtɑːpləs
adj. not wearing clothing on the upper body, especially in public
adj. lacking a top or covering (e.g., a topless car)
n. (informal) a state or instance of being without a top
The word "topless" combines "top" (from Old English "topp," meaning the highest part or summit) with the suffix "-less" (Old English "-lēas," denoting absence). Originally used literally (e.g., "topless tower"), by the mid-20th century, it gained its modern colloquial meaning referring to the uncovered female torso, reflecting societal shifts in fashion and norms. The morphemes retain their original spellings and meanings, making the compound transparent.
The beach allows topless sunbathing in designated areas.
She wore a topless dress to the gala, sparking controversy.
The convertible is a topless model for summer driving.
The magazine featured a topless photo of the celebrity.
The bar was famous for its topless dancers in the 1980s.