Definitions

top 40

[top fawr-tee] / ˈtɒp ˈfɔr ti /

NOUN

popular music

Synonyms

WEAK

bestsellers hit parade hits the charts top of the charts top twenty

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They later broke into the Top 40 in the UK Singles Chart with Fly Girl, which featured a rare guest appearance from US rapper Missy Elliot.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Gene Pitney took the track, subbed his vocals for Sedaka’s and wound up with a Top 10 hit at a time Sedaka couldn’t break the Top 40.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Top 40 programming pumped through AM radios in affordable cars helped midwife rock ’n’ roll: A new youth-driven pop culture, powered by television, teenage spending and a rapidly transforming media landscape.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

It scored just one Top 40 hit, 1987’s “Touch of Grey,” but fostered a legion of devoted fans, known as Dead Heads.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

His album didn’t take off because he couldn’t get his first single played on Top 40 radio.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell