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

Among the latest to snag a skyscraper is fund manager Capital Group, which has agreed to pay about $210 million for the 55-story Bank of America Plaza atop Bunker Hill, where it has offices.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

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

Served well, Guinness is an uncommonly handsome beer, with an instantly recognizable foamy beige head that sits atop the company’s harp-logoed “tulip” glass.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

A fat bumblebee sat atop her pretty hair bun, and Ella couldn't tell if it was fake or real.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton