Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

lap up

transitive verb
Save Word

Definition of lap up

1 : to respond to enthusiastically or accept eagerly she simply lapped up admiration— Helen Howe readiness to lap up the latest sensation— Herbert Brucker
2 : drink sat there … lapping up the wonderful Japanese beer— J. A. Michener

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Learn More about lap up

Statistics for lap up

Cite this Entry

“Lap up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lap%20up. Accessed 20 Apr. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

More from Merriam-Webster on lap up

Nglish: Translation of lap up for Spanish Speakers

Comments on lap up

What made you want to look up lap up? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

adulate

Listen to the pronunciation of adulate

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Name that Thing: Flower Edition

  • shrubs having opposite leaves and showy clusters of usually sterile white pink or bluish flowers
  • Name that flower
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
AlphaBear 2

Spell words. Make bears.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games