upper

up|per1 [ `ʌpər ] adjective only before noun ***

▸ 1 higher than something else

▸ 2 near/at the top of something

▸ 3 higher in status

▸ 4 to the north

▸ 5 away from coast

▸ + PHRASES

1. ) higher than something else, especially one of two things that are a pair:

He had a scar on his upper lip.

You'll be able to see more if you sit on the upper bunk.

2. ) near the top or at the top of something:

There is already some snow on the upper slopes.

He has to build up his upper-body strength.

upper limit (=the highest level or amount allowed): There's no upper limit on the number of competitors in the race.

3. ) higher in status or rank:

the upper ranks of the army

the upper echelons (of something) (=people of high status within an organization): the upper echelons of society

4. ) to the north:

New York's Upper East Side

5. ) away from the coast:

the upper reaches (=parts) of the Zambezi

the upper hand

control or an advantage over a person or situation:

have/hold the upper hand: Government troops have the upper hand in the offensive.

get/gain/take the upper hand: Agassi briefly got the upper hand in the second set.

─ opposite LOWER

upper

up|per 2 [ `ʌpər ] noun count usually plural

1. ) INFORMAL a drug, usually in the form of a pill, that people take to make them feel happy, excited, and lively

─ opposite DOWNER

2. ) the part of a shoe that covers the top and sides of your foot:

good quality leather uppers