On top of: meaning, definitions and examples

Describes a physical position on the uppermost part of something, or being in control or fully informed about a situation.

• She sat on top of the hill and watched the sunset.
• He is always on top of the latest market trends.

Describes a position higher than another point, or something mentioned earlier in the conversation or text.

• The painting is hung above the fireplace.
• Please refer to the document mentioned above.

Indicates a position directly higher than another object but often with some space separating them, or to describe something that has reached a higher stage.

• The lamp is hanging over the dining table.
• They walked over the hill to reach the other side.

Indicates a position in front of someone or something, often in terms of time or progress.

• The car ahead of us is driving too slowly.
• She finished her work ahead of the deadline.

Used to describe something that is physically positioned higher than something else and very close or touching it.

• She placed the book on top of the desk
• The cat sat on top of the car

Used to describe something that is higher than something else but not necessarily touching it. Can also be used in metaphorical contexts to mean superior or higher in rank.

• The painting is above the fireplace
• Her performance ranks above all others

Used to describe something that is directly higher than something else and often covering it to some extent. Can also mean to extend across something or in relation to duration or time.

• He held the umbrella over his head
• The bridge stretches over the river
• They talked over dinner

A more formal or literary way to say 'on top of', indicating something is physically on the highest point of something else.

• She sat atop the hill, watching the sunset
• The flag was placed atop the mountain