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Definition of topi

topi

/ˈtoʊ.pi/
to · pi

Plural:topis
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topi Lexical Profile

topi Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A highly social, medium-sized antelope native to the savannas and floodplains of sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by a reddish-brown coat with striking purplish-black patches on the legs and face.

Example

"During the safari in the Masai Mara, we saw a large herd of topi grazing on the open plains."


2

A lightweight helmet or hat made of pith or cork, traditionally worn by Europeans in tropical regions for protection against the sun.

Example

"The explorer wiped his brow and adjusted his topi before continuing his trek through the dense jungle."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for topi

Word Nuance & Usage

In English, 'topi' acts as a homonym with two completely distinct origins and meanings: it refers to a species of African antelope (from Swahili) and is also a variant spelling of 'topee', meaning a pith helmet (from Hindi).

• Rhymes for topi

Word Origin & Etymology

The word has two distinct etymological origins. As an antelope, it derives from the Swahili word 'topi'. As a sun helmet, it is an alternative spelling of 'topee', originating from the Hindi word 'ṭopī', meaning 'hat' or 'cap'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Topi. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/topi
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