Lid vs. Top — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 23, 2024
A lid is specifically designed to cover and secure the opening of a container, often creating a seal; a top refers to the uppermost part or covering of anything, not necessarily designed for enclosure.
Difference Between Lid and Top
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A lid is crafted to fit precisely over the opening of a container, such as a pot, box, or jar, often providing a seal that can protect the contents and prevent spills. Whereas a top is a more general term that refers to the uppermost surface or covering of any object, whether it be a table, a bottle, or a head.
Lids are typically functional and are used to enclose spaces or contents, keeping them clean, contained, or preserved. On the other hand, tops can be both functional and decorative, and do not always enclose or seal; for example, the top of a cake might be beautifully decorated but doesn’t serve a protective function like a lid.
In terms of design, lids often come with features that enhance their functionality, such as screw threads, locking mechanisms, or gaskets for sealing. Tops, however, are more varied in design and can include the peak of a mountain, the top layer of a lasagna, or the flat surface of a dresser, none of which function as a closure.
Lids are usually a necessary component of the objects they are designed for, implying that without the lid, the functionality of the object (like a coffee cup or a food container) might be compromised. In contrast, the top of an object does not always hold such functional necessity and can simply indicate the highest or uppermost point of something.
When it comes to replacement or interchangeability, lids are typically made specific to their matching containers, ensuring a perfect fit and function. Conversely, tops can often be more generic or interchangeable, as the term can apply broadly from the top piece of a container to the top of a clothing item.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Designed to cover container openings.
Uppermost part or covering of anything.
Functionality
Prevents spills, protects contents.
Can be functional or decorative.
Design Features
May include sealing mechanisms.
Design varies widely.
Necessity
Essential for the object’s function.
Not always essential for function.
Interchangeability
Specific to container.
More generic or versatile.
Compare with Definitions
Lid
Cosmetic jar lid.
He tightened the lid on the moisturizer jar to prevent it from drying out.
Top
Clothing top.
He chose a bright red top to wear to the party.
Lid
Interchangeable lids.
These plastic containers come with interchangeable lids for convenience.
Top
Vehicle top.
They opened the top of the convertible to enjoy the sunny day.
Lid
Cookware lid.
The soup simmered under a heavy lid to retain moisture.
Top
Top layer.
The top layer of the cake was covered in fondant.
Lid
Container lid.
She sealed the leftovers with a tight-fitting lid.
Top
Surface top.
She placed the vase on the top of the cabinet.
Lid
Protective lid.
The lid of the scanner protects the glass from dust.
Top
Mountain top.
They reached the top of the mountain just before noon.
Lid
A lid, also known as a cover, is part of a container, and serves as the closure or seal, usually one that completely closes the object. Lids can be placed on small containers such as tubs as well as larger lids for open-head pails and drums.
Top
The highest or uppermost point, part, or surface of something
Doreen stood at the top of the stairs
Fill the cup almost to the top
The springy turf of the clifftop
Lid
A removable or hinged cover for the top of a container
A dustbin lid
Top
A lid, cover, or cap
He removed the top from his ballpoint
Beer bottle tops
Lid
A removable or hinged cover for a hollow receptacle or box.
Top
The highest or most important rank, level, or position
The people at the top must be competent
Her talent will take her right to the top
Lid
An eyelid.
Top
A garment covering the upper part of the body and worn with a skirt, trousers, or shorts
She bought a couple of new tops
He was wearing a hooded top
Lid
(Biology) A flaplike covering, such as an operculum.
Top
The end of something that is furthest from the speaker or a point of reference
The bus shelter at the top of the road
Lid
A curb, restraint, or limit
Approved a new lid on corporate spending.
Top
Short for topspin
Lid
(Informal) An act of concealment; a cover
Told us to keep a lid on the report until the campaign was over.
Top
A bundle of long wool fibres prepared for spinning.
Lid
(Slang) A hat.
Top
One of six flavours of quark.
Lid
(Slang) An ounce of marijuana.
Top
A man who takes the active role in anal intercourse with another man.
Lid
The top or cover of a container.
Top
A conical, spherical, or pear-shaped toy that with a quick or vigorous twist may be set to spin.
Lid
(slang) A cap or hat.
Top
Used in names of top shells, e.g. strawberry top.
Lid
(slang) One ounce of cannabis.
Top
Highest in position, rank, or degree
The top button of his shirt
A top executive
Lid
A bodyboard or bodyboarder.
Top
Furthest away from the speaker or a point of reference
The top end of Fulham Road
Lid
(slang) A motorcyclist's crash helmet.
Top
Exceed (an amount, level, or number); be more than
Losses are expected to top £100 m this year
Lid
(slang) In amateur radio, an incompetent operator.
Top
Provide with a top or topping
Toast topped with baked beans
Lid
Clipping of eyelid
Top
Reach the top of (a hill or other elevation)
They topped a rise and began a slow descent
Lid
(microelectronics) A hermetically sealed top piece on a microchip such as the integrated heat spreader on a CPU.
Top
Kill
I wasn't sorry when he topped himself
Lid
(figurative) A restraint or control, as when "putting a lid" on something.
Top
Mishit (the ball or a stroke) by hitting above the centre of the ball
He topped his drive on the fifth hole
Sliced and topped shots
Lid
(Scouse) A kid (from the rhyming slang bin lid)
Top
At the most
Some civil servant earning twenty-eight thousand a year, tops
Lid
(transitive) To put a lid on (something).
Top
The uppermost part, point, surface, or end
Wrote on the top of the box.
Lid
That which covers the opening of a vessel or box, etc.; a movable cover; as, the lid of a chest or trunk.
Top
The part farthest from a given reference point
Took a jump shot from the top of the key.
Lid
The cover of the eye; an eyelid.
Tears, big tears, gushed from the rough soldier's lid.
Top
The crown of the head
From top to toe.
Lid
The cover of the spore cases of mosses.
Top
The part of a plant, such as a rutabaga, that is above the ground.
Lid
Either of two folds of skin that can be moved to cover or open the eye;
His lids would stay open no longer
Top
Something, such as a lid or cap, that covers or forms an uppermost part.
Lid
A movable top or cover (hinged or separate) for closing the opening of a container
Top
A garment worn on the upper half of the body.
Lid
Headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
Top
(Nautical) A platform enclosing the head of the lower section of a mast of a square-rigged vessel, to which the topmast shrouds are attached.
Top
The highest degree, pitch, or point; the peak, acme, or zenith
"It had come at a time when he was not feeling at the top of his form" (Anthony Powell).
Top
The highest position or rank
At the top of his profession.
Top
A person in this position.
Top
(Games) The highest card or cards in a suit or hand.
Top
The best part.
Top
The earliest part or beginning
She played the piece again, from the top.
Top
(Baseball) The first half of an inning.
Top
A stroke that lands above the center of a ball, as in golf or tennis, giving it a forward spin.
Top
A forward spin on a ball resulting from such a stroke.
Top
A toy having one end tapered to a point, allowing it to be spun, as by suddenly pulling a string wound around it.
Top
Situated at the top
The top shelf.
Top
Of the highest degree, quality, rank, or amount
In top form.
The top ten bestsellers.
Top
In a position of preeminence
The top historian in her department.
Top
To form, furnish with, or serve as a top
Topped the ice cream with jimmies.
Top
To reach or go over the top of
The car topped the hill.
Top
To exceed or surpass
The car's speed topped 80 miles an hour. Her performance really topped his.
Top
To be at the head of
She topped her class.
Top
To remove the top or uppermost part from; crop
Topped the fruit trees.
Top
To strike the upper part of (a ball), giving it forward spin.
Top
To make (a stroke) in this way.
Top
To make a finish, an end, or a conclusion.
Top
The highest or uppermost part of something.
His kite got caught at the top of the tree.
Top
(irrespective of present orientation) the part of something that is usually the top.
We flipped the machine onto its top.
Top
The uppermost part of a page, picture, viewing screen, etc.
Further weather information can be found at the top of your television screen.
Headings appear at the tops of pages.
Top
A lid, cap or cover of a container.
Put a top on the toothpaste tube or it will go bad.
Top
A garment worn to cover the torso.
I bought this top as it matches my jeans.
I like this pyjama top.
Top
A framework at the top of a ship's mast to which rigging is attached.
Top
(baseball) The first half of an inning, during which the home team fields and the visiting team bats.
Top
(archaic) The crown of the head, or the hair upon it; the head.
Top
The near end of somewhere
The patio is at the top of my garden.
The shop is at the top of my street.
Top
A child’s spinning toy; a spinning top.
The boy was amazed at how long the top would spin.
Top
(heading) Someone who is eminent.
Top
(archaic) The chief person; the most prominent one.
Top
The highest rank; the most honourable position; the utmost attainable place.
To be at the top of one's class, or at the top of the school
Top
(BDSM) A dominant partner in a BDSM relationship or roleplay.
Top
Oral stimulation of the male member, a blowjob.
Top
(particle physics) A top quark.
Top
The utmost degree; the acme; the summit.
Top
(ropemaking) A plug, or conical block of wood, with longitudinal grooves on its surface, in which the strands of the rope slide in the process of twisting.
Top
(sound) Highest pitch or loudest volume.
She sang at the top of her voice.
Top
(wool manufacture) A bundle or ball of slivers of combed wool, from which the noils, or dust, have been taken out.
Top
(obsolete, except in one sense of phrase on top of) Eve; verge; point.
Top
The part of a cut gem between the girdle, or circumference, and the table, or flat upper surface.
Top
Topboots.
Top
A stroke on the top of the ball.
Top
A forward spin given to the ball by hitting it on or near the top; topspin
Top
(A table at which there is, or which has enough seats for) a group of a specified number of people eating at a restaurant.
Top
To cover on the top or with a top.
I like my ice cream topped with chocolate sauce.
Top
To excel, to surpass, to beat, to exceed.
Titanic was the most successful film ever until it was topped by another Cameron film, Avatar.
Top
To be in the lead, to be at number one position (of).
Celine Dion topped the UK music charts twice in the 1990s.
Top
To cut or remove the top (as of a tree)
I don't want to be bald, so just top my hair.
Top and tail the carrots.
Top
To commit suicide.
Depression causes many people to top themselves.
Top
To murder.
Top
(BDSM) To be the dominant partner in a BDSM relationship or roleplay.
I used to be a slave, but I ended up topping.
Giving advice to the dominant partner on how to run the BDSM session is called "topping from the bottom".
Top
(archaic) To rise aloft; to be eminent; to tower.
Topping passions
Top
(archaic) To excel; to rise above others.
Top
(nautical) To raise one end of (a yard, etc.), making it higher than the other.
Top
(dyeing) To cover with another dye.
To top aniline black with methyl violet to prevent greening
Top
To put a stiffening piece or back on (a saw blade).
Top
To arrange (fruit, etc.) with the best on top.
Top
(of a horse) To strike the top of (an obstacle) with the hind feet while jumping, so as to gain new impetus.
Top
To improve (domestic animals, especially sheep) by crossing certain individuals or breeds with other superior breeds.
Top
To cut, break, or otherwise take off the top of (a steel ingot) to remove unsound metal.
Top
(golf) To strike (the ball) above the centre; also, to make (a stroke, etc.) by hitting the ball in this way.
Top
Situated on the top of something.
Top
(informal) Best; of the highest quality or rank.
She's in the top dance school.
Top
(informal) Very good, of high quality, power, or rank.
He's a top lawyer.
That is a top car.
Top
Rated first.
She came top in her French exam.
Top
A child's toy, commonly in the form of a conoid or pear, made to spin on its point, usually by drawing off a string wound round its surface or stem, the motion being sometimes continued by means of a whip.
Top
A plug, or conical block of wood, with longitudital grooves on its surface, in which the strands of the rope slide in the process of twisting.
Top
The highest part of anything; the upper end, edge, or extremity; the upper side or surface; summit; apex; vertex; cover; lid; as, the top of a spire; the top of a house; the top of a mountain; the top of the ground.
The star that bids the shepherd fold,Now the top of heaven doth hold.
Top
The utmost degree; the acme; the summit.
The top of my ambition is to contribute to that work.
Top
The highest rank; the most honorable position; the utmost attainable place; as, to be at the top of one's class, or at the top of the school.
And wears upon his baby brow the roundAnd top of sovereignty.
Top
The chief person; the most prominent one.
Other . . . aspired to be the top of zealots.
Top
The crown of the head, or the hair upon it; the head.
All the stored vengeance of Heaven fallOn her ungrateful top !
Top
The head, or upper part, of a plant.
The buds . . . are called heads, or tops, as cabbageheads.
Top
A platform surrounding the head of the lower mast and projecting on all sudes. It serves to spead the topmast rigging, thus strengheningthe mast, and also furnishes a convenient standing place for the men aloft.
Top
A bundle or ball of slivers of comkbed wool, from which the noils, or dust, have been taken out.
Top
Eve; verge; point.
Top
The part of a cut gem between the girdle, or circumference, and the table, or flat upper surface.
Top
Top-boots.
Top
A stroke on the top of the ball.
Top
To rise aloft; to be eminent; to tower; as, lofty ridges and topping mountains.
Top
To predominate; as, topping passions.
Top
To excel; to rise above others.
But write thy, and top.
Top
To strike a ball above the center.
Top
To rise at one end, as a yard; - usually with up.
Top
To cover on the top; to tip; to cap; - chiefly used in the past participle.
Like moving mountains topped with snow.
A mountOf alabaster, topped with golden spires.
Top
To rise above; to excel; to outgo; to surpass.
Topping all others in boasting.
Edmund the base shall top the legitimate.
Top
To rise to the top of; to go over the top of.
But wind about till thou hast topped the hill.
Top
To take off the or upper part of; to crop.
Top your rose trees a little with your knife.
Top
To perform eminently, or better than before.
From endeavoring universally to top their parts, they will go universally beyond them.
Top
To raise one end of, as a yard, so that that end becomes higher than the other.
Top
To cover with another dye; as, to top aniline black with methyl violet to prevent greening and crocking.
Top
To put a stiffening piece or back on (a saw blade).
Top
To arrange, as fruit, with the best on top.
Top
To strike the top of, as a wall, with the hind feet, in jumping, so as to gain new impetus; - said of a horse.
Top
To improve (domestic animals, esp. sheep) by crossing certain individuals or breeds with other superior.
Top
To raise one end of, as a yard, so that that end becomes higher than the other.
Top
To cut, break, or otherwise take off the top of (a steel ingot) to remove unsound metal.
Top
To strike (the ball) above the center; also, to make (as a stroke) by hitting the ball in this way.
Top
The upper part of anything;
The mower cuts off the tops of the grass
The title should be written at the top of the first page
Top
The highest or uppermost side of anything;
Put your books on top of the desk
Only the top side of the box was painted
Top
The top point of a mountain or hill;
The view from the peak was magnificent
They clambered to the summit of Monadnock
Top
The first half of an inning; while the visiting team is at bat;
A relief pitcher took over in the top of the fifth
Top
The highest level or degree attainable;
His landscapes were deemed the acme of beauty
The artist's gifts are at their acme
At the height of her career
The peak of perfection
Summer was at its peak
...catapulted Einstein to the pinnacle of fame
The summit of his ambition
So many highest superlatives achieved by man
At the top of his profession
Top
The greatest possible intensity;
He screamed at the top of his lungs
Top
Platform surrounding the head of a lower mast
Top
A conical child's plaything tapering to a steel point on which it can be made to spin;
He got a bright red top and string for his birthday
Top
Covering for a hole (especially a hole in the top of a container);
He removed the top of the carton
He couldn't get the top off of the bottle
Put the cover back on the kettle
Top
A garment (especially for women) that extends from the shoulders to the waist or hips;
He stared as she buttoned her top
Top
A canvas tent to house the audience at a circus performance;
He was afraid of a fire in the circus tent
They had the big top up in less than an hour
Top
Go beyond;
She exceeded our expectations
She topped her performance of last year
Top
Pass by, over, or under without making contact;
The balloon cleared the tree tops
Top
Be at the top of or constitute the top or highest point;
A star tops the Christmas Tree
Top
Be ahead of others; be the first;
She topped her class every year
Top
Provide with a top;
The towers were topped with conical roofs
Top
Reach or ascend the top of;
The hikers topped the mountain just before noon
Top
Strike (the top part of a ball in golf, baseball, or pool) giving it a forward spin
Top
Cut the top off;
Top trees and bushes
Top
Be the culminating event;
The speech crowned the meeting
Top
Finish up or conclude;
They topped off their dinner with a cognac
Top the evening with champagne
Top
Situated at the top or highest position;
The top shelf
Side fences
The side porch
Top
Not to be surpassed;
His top effort
Common Curiosities
How do you choose the right lid for a container?
Choosing the right lid involves ensuring it matches the container’s size, shape, and specific features like threads or snaps.
What is the primary function of a lid compared to a top?
A lid is specifically designed to cover and often seal the opening of a container, while a top is the uppermost layer or part of anything.
What types of tops are there?
Tops can range from clothing articles to the peak of a mountain or the flat surface of furniture.
Why is a lid important?
A lid is important for sealing and protecting the contents of a container, preventing spills and preserving the contents.
Can you interchange lids and tops?
Lids are usually specific to their containers for a proper fit, whereas tops are more generic and can refer to various upper surfaces.
Are all lids designed to seal?
Most lids are designed to seal or at least cover securely, though the degree of sealing can vary depending on the container’s purpose.
What happens if you use the wrong lid on a container?
Using the wrong lid can lead to poor sealing, possible contamination of the contents, or spills.
What is the top of a wave called?
The top of a wave is commonly referred to as the crest.
Is the top of a building also called a lid?
No, the top of a building is generally referred to as the roof, not a lid, as it does not function to seal or cover a container.
How does the design of lids affect their functionality?
The design of lids, including features like seals and locks, directly impacts their functionality in terms of protection and preservation of contents.
What distinguishes a top from a lid in everyday language?
In everyday language, a top is the highest or outermost part of any object, while a lid is specifically a cover for an opening.
How does one maintain a lid?
Maintaining a lid involves keeping it clean, ensuring it fits properly, and replacing worn-out seals if necessary.
Can a lid be decorative?
While lids are typically functional, they can also be decorative, especially in items like ceramic jars or gift boxes.
Why might someone prefer a top without a lid?
Preferring a top without a lid could be due to aesthetic reasons, ease of access, or when sealing is not necessary.
Is there a difference in the materials used for lids and tops?
Materials vary widely for both, but lids often require materials that support sealing functions, such as plastics with gaskets, whereas tops might use a broader range of materials.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Shined vs. Shone
Next Comparison
Lose vs. LooseAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
