The highest rank in professional sumo (yokozuna), awarded to wrestlers who have achieved exceptional skill and dignity; the rank carries special ceremonies and responsibilities.
彼は史上最年少で横綱に昇進した。
He was promoted to yokozuna at the youngest age in history.
横綱の土俵入りは伝統的な儀式だ。
A yokozuna's ring-entering ceremony is a traditional ritual.
大相撲を見に行って、横綱の相撲を間近で見た。
I went to watch professional sumo and saw a yokozuna's match up close.
Figuratively, someone or something considered the best in their field — the 'top' or 'champion' (e.g., 'the yokozuna of the industry').
あの企業は業界の横綱と呼ばれている。
That company is called the yokozuna of the industry.
彼はテニス界の横綱のような存在だ。
He is like the yokozuna of the tennis world.
製品の品質で競合他社を圧倒し、事実上の横綱となった。
They overwhelmed competitors in product quality and became the de facto leader.