atop

1 of 2

adverb or adjective

ə-ˈtäp 

: 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

Adverb or adjective

Acquired from the Cubs for Clay Holmes and Tyrone Taylor, Rojas is a top-100 prospect and now atop almost every ranking of New York’s best minor-league talent. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

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

Preposition

Three firefighters stand atop a pile of twisted steel and debris, raising an American flag above the ruins of the World Trade Center. — Thomas E. Franklin, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Transfer them to the fridge on Sunday (atop a plate to catch any residual liquid as they thaw). — Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb Or Adjective

1638, in the meaning defined above

Preposition

1638, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for atop

• backdrop
• backstop
• bebop
• blacktop
• bookshop
• clatsop
• desktop
• eavesdrop
• estop
• hardtop
• hilltop
• laptop

Kids Definition

atop

preposition

ə-ˈtäp

: on top of