atop

1 of 2

adverb or adjective

ə-ˈtäp How to pronounce atop (audio)
Synonyms of atopnext
: 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
Another all-natural way to kill ants is by using boiling water—a large pot of boiling water can be slowly poured atop an ant mount to get rid of the ants within. — Rabekah Henderson, The Spruce, 5 June 2026 Instead of bearing fishing poles, most have Soviet-era heavy machine guns bolted to their bows with a small rocket launcher atop. — Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
Preposition
Astronauts just flew to Earth orbit space atop a rocket emblazoned with an energy-drink ad. — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 17 July 2026 It's been just over seven years since Madame X, her most recent leader before Confessions II, managed its one frame atop the ranking. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 17 July 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 19 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of atop for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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