atop

American  

[uh-top] / əˈtɒp /

adjective

1. on or at the top.

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preposition

1. on the top of.

   atop the flagpole.

atop British  

/ əˈtɒp /

adverb

1. on top; at the top

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preposition

1. on top of; at the top of

Etymology

Origin of atop

First recorded in 1650–60; a- ¹ + top ¹

Example Sentences

A police cap lay atop a cabinet, while a crumpled uniform sat beside a computer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The crew will fly aboard the Orion spacecraft, perched atop NASA's powerful SLS rocket.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

He stands atop Cup Series standings, leading second-place Ryan Blaney of Team Penske by 95 points.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

The Pistons, who currently have a 3.5-game lead over the Boston Celtics atop the Eastern Conference standings, wrap up their season April 12 against the Indiana Pacers.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

The dragon, perched atop one of the gerbil cages, was hissing, shrieking, and flapping its tiny wings as if it wanted to lift the whole thing into the air.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville