tap

²tap

verb

tappedtap·ping

Definition of TAP

transitive verb

1

: to let out or cause to flow by piercing or by drawing a plug from the containing vessel <tap wine from a cask>

2

a : to pierce so as to let out or draw off a fluid <tap maple trees> b : to draw out, from, or upon <tap new sources of revenue> <the story taps powerful emotions>

3

: to cut in on (as a telephone or radio signal) to get information

4

: to form an internal screw thread in by means of a tap

5

: to get money from as a loan or gift

6

: to connect (a street gas or water main) with a local supply

— tap·per noun

— tap into

: to make a strong or advantageous connection with <trying to tap into a new market>

First Known Use of TAP

15th century