tapped; tapping
1
: to strike lightly especially with a slight sound
2
: to give a light blow with
tap a pencil on the table
3
: to bring about by repeated light blows
tap out a story on the laptop
4
: to repair by putting a tap on
1
a
: a light usually audible blow
also
: its sound
b
: one of several usually rapid drumbeats on a snare drum
2
: a small metal plate for the sole or heel of a shoe
4
5
1
2
a
: a liquor drawn through a tap
b
: the procedure of removing fluid (as from a body cavity)
3
: wiretap
4
: a tool for forming an internal screw thread
5
: an intermediate point in an electric circuit where a connection may be made
see also:
tapped; tapping
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 (something, such 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
see also:
Cite this Entry
“Tap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tap. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.
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