atop

1 of 2

adverb or adjective

ə-ˈtäp 
Synonyms of atop
: on, to, or at the top

atop

2 of 2

preposition

: on top of

Examples of atop in a Sentence

Preposition The house sits atop a cliff overlooking the ocean.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adverb or adjective
It was perched atop on a separate building that is connected to the Macy’s store, which predates the flagship that opened in 1902. — David Moin, Footwear News, 29 July 2026 Place the remaining four ladyfinger sandwiches lengthwise atop; cover with remaining gelatin mixture. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2026
Preposition
But even the founder of Amazon, which sits atop the Fortune 500, has yet to squeeze his way into the private club at the center of it. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 Ceremonies can take place on secluded beaches, atop dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific or in intimate settings woven into the surrounding landscape. — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for atop

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb Or Adjective

1638, in the meaning defined above

Preposition

1638, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of atop was in 1638

Rhymes for atop

See All Rhymes for atop

Browse Nearby Words

atony
atop
atopic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Atop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atop. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

atop

preposition
ə-ˈtäp
: on top of

More from Merriam-Webster on atop

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for atop

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