WordGarden.ioupper
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈʌpə/
US
- /ˈəpər/
Meanings
Adjective
higher in place or on the top part of something
higher in amount, range, rank, or level
Noun
the part of a shoe above the sole that covers the foot
(slang)a stimulant drug, especially an amphetamine
Beyond the definition
"Upper" usually describes something that is above another thing or in the top part of it, like the upper deck of a ship, the upper branches of a tree, or the upper floor of a building. It can also describe a higher level or rank, as in upper management. In some common phrases, it means being in a better position, such as having the upper hand.
The word is often used for place, level, or status. In health, an upper respiratory infection affects the nose and throat rather than the lungs. So in many everyday examples, "upper" points to something higher, topmost, or more powerful in a situation.
The word "upper" usually means higher than something else or in the top part of something. You see it in physical spaces like the upper shelf, the upper deck, the upper floor, or the upper branches of a tree. It helps show position clearly by pointing to what is above, not below.
It also has broader uses. "Upper" can describe a higher level, rank, or social position, as in upper management, upper class, or upper-level students. In these cases, the idea is not physical height but a place higher in a system, group, or scale.
The word appears in many set phrases as well. If someone has the upper hand, they have the advantage or more control. In body and health terms, upper body refers to the top part of the body, and an upper respiratory infection affects the nose, throat, and nearby passages rather than the lungs. So across everyday English, "upper" commonly points to what is higher, topmost, or in a stronger position.
Examples
- 1
Shelf position
Keep the clean sheets on the upper shelf.
- 2
Stadium seating
We got seats in the upper deck of the stadium.
- 3
Body area
She felt a sharp pain in her upper back after the move.
- 4
Company hierarchy
The final decision has to come from upper management.
- Phraseupper management
the most senior managers in a company
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Eligibility
There is no upper age limit for the program.
- 6
Advantage
By the second half, our team had the upper hand.
- Phrasehave the upper hand
have the advantage
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- uppernounadjective
Forms
- upperspluralnounadjective