soap

1 of 2

noun

ˈsōp 

1

a

: a cleansing and emulsifying agent made usually by action of alkali on fat or fatty acids and consisting essentially of sodium or potassium salts of such acids

b

: a salt of a fatty acid and a metal

2

: soap opera

soap

2 of 2

verb

soaped; soaping; soaps

transitive verb

1

: to rub soap over or into

2

: flatter

Synonyms

Noun

• cleaner
• cleanser
• detergent

Examples of soap in a Sentence

Noun

Make sure you use soap and water to wash your hands.

The store sells many different brands of liquid soaps.

Her first acting job was on a soap.

Verb

I soap my hair first when I take a shower.

He soaped and rinsed the car.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

All pieces are made with durable, rust-resistant steel frames and are easy to clean with mild soap and a damp cloth. —Ali Faccenda, Peoplemag, 10 May 2024

After removing the tick, clean the wound and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 8 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English sope, from Old English sāpe; akin to Old High German seifa soap

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing soap

• bar soap
• castile soap
• green soap
• saddle soap
• soap bubble
• soap opera
• soap plant
• soap powder
• soft soap
• toilet soap

Kids Definition

soap

1 of 2 noun

ˈsōp 

1

: a substance that is usually made by the action of alkali on fat, dissolves in water, and is used for washing

2

: a salt of a fatty acid

3

: soap opera

soap

2 of 2 verb

: to rub soap over or into

Medical Definition

soap

noun

ˈsōp 

1

: a cleansing and emulsifying agent made usually by action of alkali on fat or fatty acids and consisting essentially of sodium or potassium salts of such acids

2

: a salt of a fatty acid and a metal