hap

1 of 4

noun (1)

hap

2 of 4

verb (1)

happed; happing

hap

3 of 4

verb (2)

happed; happing

hap

4 of 4

noun (2)

dialect
: something (such as a bed quilt or cloak) that serves as a covering or wrap

Examples of hap in a Sentence

Noun (1) we must make the best of both the good and the bad haps of life by hap and circumstance, he ended up as a cartoonist in New York Verb (1) what wondrous events hath happed this Christmas Day? Noun (2) the hap was a patchwork quilt that the old woman had made herself
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The company didn’t appear close to understanding the nature of the universe, but per haps that’s coming. Zoë Schiffer, WIRED, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hap.' 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, from Old Norse happ good luck; akin to Old English gehæp suitable, Old Church Slavic kobĭ lot, fate

Verb (2)

Middle English happen

First Known Use

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1593, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hap was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near hap

Cite this Entry

“Hap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hap. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

hap

1 of 2 noun
1
: something that happens : occurrence
2
: something that happens unexpectedly without intention or observable cause : chance, fortune

hap

2 of 2 verb
happed; happing
Last Updated: - Definition revised
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