atop

1 of 2

adverb or adjective

: 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
Even the giant cat statue is completely covered by the waves, except for the tiniest tip of one of its ears that our cat hero stands atop until a boat drifts past. Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 21 Nov. 2024 Following their dance, the couple were seated at the front of the room at a table with candles and flowers atop. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 23 Oct. 2024
Preposition
The precursor of the xylophone and marimba, a balafon is made by carefully cutting 21 wooden slats into different lengths, fixing them atop hallow calabashes, and striking them with mallets wound with the gum and sap of a rubber tree. Eliot Stein, Rolling Stone, 9 Dec. 2024 Since then, Seattle has won four straight games and sits alone atop the NFC West with four regular season games remaining. Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near atop

Cite this Entry

“Atop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atop. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

atop

preposition
ə-ˈtäp
: on top of

More from Merriam-Webster on atop

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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