chap

1 of 5

noun (1)

: a crack in or a sore roughening of the skin caused by exposure to wind or cold

chap

2 of 5

verb

chapped; chapping

intransitive verb

: to open in cracks, slits, or chinks
also : to become cracked, roughened, or reddened especially by the action of wind or cold
hands often chap in winter

transitive verb

: to cause to chap
wind-chapped lips
1
: the fleshy covering of a jaw
also : jaw
usually used in plural
a wolf's chaps
2
: the forepart of the face
usually used in plural

chap

4 of 5

noun (3)

1
chiefly British : fellow sense 4c
2
Southern US and Midland US : baby, child

chap

5 of 5

abbreviation

Examples of chap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The clothing collection complete with denim chaps was inspired by Black cowboys and cowgirls. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 14 Feb. 2024 Stefani donned a black and white look that featured light pink satin open chaps — and her platinum blonde hair was seen in a high ponytail. Ilana Kaplan, Peoplemag, 12 Feb. 2024 In the video, Sweeney, clad in black studded chaps and a corset, rides in a convertible, dancing and singing along to the song, which is off the iconic rock group's new album Hackney Diamonds. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 22 Dec. 2023 The car has only had two owners, as well: One was an old client of the car dealers, and the other was a local chap. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 1 Feb. 2024 Britney Spears, who inspired the video for Rothschild’s previous collection, also had a role in this one, having inspired an ensemble consisting of a black corset, chaps, and artfully distressed jeans. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2024 Then head to popular biker/rock bar Ballers Rock N Roll Sports Bar, the area’s only bar with a 23-hour liquor license, yummy panini sandwiches and pizza, DJs blasting 80s hair bands and waitresses with a penchant of dancing while donning black leather chaps and tops. Miami Staff, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 The artists in residence here are a Renaissance bunch: Cat Clifford is a former rodeo bronc rider who hand-tools rodeo chaps and other leather pieces and does stunt work for Hollywood. Patricia Leigh Brown, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2024 Nestled at the foot of the state’s Bighorn Mountains, the town of about 30,000 residents is more often associated with cowboy chaps than with computer chips. Jordan McGillis, National Review, 22 Jan. 2024
Verb
During the colder months, the bitter air draws moisture out of the skin, which can lead to skin conditions such as dryness, chapped lips, and nosebleeds. Jani Hall, Health, 21 Feb. 2024 Because there’s nothing worse than having chapped lips during citrus season. Carina Finn, Bon Appétit, 18 Jan. 2024 Winter weather conditions can cause up to 50% of dogs to experience dry and chapped paw pads. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2023 Homedics Ultrasonic Humidifier, $84 (Save 30%) Dry skin, irritated nasal passages, sore throats, and chapped lips can benefit from a good humidifier in the winter. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 26 Jan. 2024 Watermelon extract and vitamin E deliver hydration and reverses dry, chapped lips. Sarah Han, Allure, 27 Nov. 2023 Find it on Amazon The Effective Lip Mask To Protect Against The Winter Chill Dry and chapped lips can often occur during the cold winter months but this lip mask from Laniege has been praised by fans for its hydrating benefits. Kat Romero, Rolling Stone, 22 Dec. 2023 Dry, chapped lips have nothing on Glossier's ever-popular Balm Dotcom. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 27 Nov. 2023 Find it on Amazon Indulge In The Irresistible Scent Of This Tula Lip Treatment The Tula Lip Treatment is a luxurious remedy for dry, chapped lips. Samantha Booth, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chap.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English chappes, plural, from chappen

Verb

Middle English chappen; akin to Middle Dutch cappen to cut down

Noun (2)

origin unknown

Noun (3)

short for chapman

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun (2)

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

1705, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chap was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near chap

Cite this Entry

“Chap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chap. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

chap

1 of 3 noun
: a crack or a sore roughening of the skin from exposure especially to wind or cold

chap

2 of 3 verb
chapped; chapping
: to open in slits or cracks
also : to become cracked, roughened, or reddened
chapped lips

chap

3 of 3 noun
chiefly British
Etymology

Noun

Middle English chappes "cracks in skin," from chappen "to crack"

Verb

Middle English chappen "to crack (of skin)"

Noun

shortened form of chapman "merchant," from Old English cēapman "merchant," from cēap "trade" and man "man" — related to cheap

Medical Definition

chap

1 of 2 verb
chapped; chapping

intransitive verb

: to crack or open in slits
the hands and lips often chap in winter

transitive verb

: to cause to open in slits or cracks
chapped lips

chap

2 of 2 noun
: a crack in or a sore roughening of the skin caused by exposure to wind or cold

More from Merriam-Webster on chap

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