tapa

1 of 2

noun (1)

ta·​pa ˈtä-pə How to pronounce tapa (audio) ˈta- How to pronounce tapa (audio)
: a coarse cloth made in the Pacific islands from the pounded bark especially of the paper mulberry and usually decorated with geometric patterns

tapa

2 of 2

noun (2)

: an hors d'oeuvre served with drinks especially in Spanish bars
usually used in plural

Examples of tapa in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Lunch was my favorite meal—a selection of light tapas, perfect for hot days. Heather Richardson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2025 The pair met up at a tapas bar — but not before Kelly’s friends had scoped out the spot and made sure Brunt looked like a good match. Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 17 Nov. 2025 The capital of Spain is a feast for the senses, filling them with fine art, tapas, and flamenco music. Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 5 Nov. 2025 The neighborhood of Santa Catalina, a short walk from the old town of Palma, hosts many of the city’s most interesting tapas bars (many recommend reserving ahead). Emilio Parra Doiztua, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tapa

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Marquesan & Tahitian

Noun (2)

Spanish, literally, cover, lid, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old English tæppa tap

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1817, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tapa was in 1817

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tapa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tapa. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tapa

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!