summit

UK: /ˈsʌmɪt/ US: /ˈsʌmɪt/ ,(sum′it)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

sum•mit /ˈsʌmɪt/   n. [countable]

1. the highest point or part, as of a hill;
   top;
   apex:
   the summit of the mountain.
2. the highest point of attaining or gaining something:
   the summit of her ambition.
3. the highest state or degree.
4. Government Also called ˈsum•mit ˌmeet•ing, ˈsum•mit ˌcon•fer•ence. a conference between heads of state or other top-level government officials.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

sum•mit  (sum′it), n. 

1. the highest point or part, as of a hill, a line of travel, or any object;
   top;
   apex.
2. the highest point of attainment or aspiration:
   the summit of one's ambition.
3. the highest state or degree.
4. Government the highest level of diplomatic or other governmental officials:
   a meeting at the summit.
5. Government See summit meeting. 

adj. 

6. Government of or pertaining to a summit meeting:
   summit talks.

v.i. 

7. Government to take part in a summit meeting.
8. Sport to reach a summit:
   summited after a 14-hour climb.

v.t.

Sport to reach the summit of.

 

• Latin summum, noun, nominal use of neuter of summus highest; see sum) + -ete -et
• Old French, equivalent. to som top (
• late Middle English somete 1425–75
sum′mit•al, adj. 
sum′mit•less, adj. 
Synonyms
• 1. peak, pinnacle.
• 2, 3. acme, zenith, culmination.
Antonyms
• 1. base.

Sum•mit  (sum′it), n. 

1. Place Names a city in NE New Jersey. 21,071.
2. Place Names a city in NE Illinois. 10,110.

summit, +v.t. 

1. Sport to reach the summit of.

v.i. 

2. Sport to reach a summit:
   summited after a 14-hour climb.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

summit / ˈsʌmɪt/ noun

1. the highest point or part, esp of a mountain or line of communication; top
2. the highest possible degree or state; peak or climax: the summit of ambition
3. the highest level, importance, or rank: a meeting at the summit
4. a meeting of chiefs of governments or other high officials
5. (as modifier): a summit conference

Etymology: 15th Century: from Old French somet, diminutive of som, from Latin summum; see sum¹