SINCE 1828
lap
noun (1)
\ ˈlap
\
\
Definition of lap
(Entry 1 of 5)
1a
: a loose overlapping or hanging panel or flap especially of a garment
b
archaic
: the skirt of a coat or dress
2a
: the clothing that lies on the knees, thighs, and lower part of the trunk when one sits
b
: the front part of the lower trunk and thighs of a seated person
3
: responsible custody : control
going to drop the whole thing in your lap— Hamilton Basso
the lap of luxury
: an environment of great ease, comfort, and wealth
lap
verb (1)
lapped;
lapping
Definition of lap (Entry 2 of 5)
2
: to fold over especially into layers
3
: to hold protectively in or as if in the lap : cuddle
4a
: to place over and cover a part of : overlap
lap shingles on a roof
b
: to join (things, such as two boards) by a lap joint
5a
: to dress, smooth, or polish (something, such as a metal surface) to a high degree of refinement or accuracy
b
: to shape or fit by working two surfaces together with or without abrasives until a very close fit is produced
6a
: to overtake and thereby lead or increase the lead over (another contestant) by a full circuit of a racecourse
b
: to complete the circuit of (a racecourse)
2a
: to project beyond or spread over something
b
: to lie partly over or alongside of something or of one another : overlap
3
: to traverse a course
lap
noun (2)Definition of lap (Entry 3 of 5)
1a
: the amount by which one object overlaps or projects beyond another
b
: the part of an object that overlaps another
2
: a smoothing and polishing tool usually consisting of a piece of wood, leather, felt, or soft metal in a special shape used with or without an embedded abrasive
3
: a doubling or layering of a flexible substance (such as fibers or paper)
4a
: the act or an instance of traversing a course (such as a racing track or swimming pool)
also
: the distance covered
b
: one segment of a larger unit (such as a journey)
c
: one complete turn (as of a rope around a drum)
lap
verb (2)
lapped;
lapping
Definition of lap (Entry 4 of 5)
1
: to take in food or drink with the tongue
2a
: to make a gentle intermittent splashing sound
b
: to move in little waves : wash
1a
: to take in (food or drink) with the tongue
b
: to take in or absorb eagerly or quickly
—used with up the crowd lapped up every word he said
2
: to flow or splash against in little waves
lap
noun (3)Definition of lap (Entry 5 of 5)
1a
: an act or instance of lapping
b
: the amount that can be carried to the mouth by one lick or scoop of the tongue
2
: a thin or weak beverage or food
3
: a gentle splashing sound
Other Words from lap
Noun (1)
lapful
\ ˈlap-ˌfu̇l
\
noun
\
noun
Verb (1)
lapper
noun
Verb (2)
lapper
noun
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for lap
lap
noun
\ ˈlap
\
\
Kids Definition of lap
(Entry 1 of 4)
: the front part of a person between the hips and the knees when seated
lap
verb
lapped;
lapping
Kids Definition of lap (Entry 2 of 4)
: overlap
Lap one paper over another.
lap
nounKids Definition of lap (Entry 3 of 4)
1
: a part of something that overlaps another part
2
: one time around or over a course (as of a racetrack or swimming pool)
3
: a stage in a trip
lap
verb
lapped;
lapping
Kids Definition of lap (Entry 4 of 4)
1
: to scoop up food or drink with the tongue
The dog lapped up the water.
2
: to splash gently
The cold stream lapped his bare heels …— Katherine Paterson, Bridge to Terabithia
lap
abbreviationMedical Definition of lap
laparotomy
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on lap
What made you want to look up lap? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
What did you just call me?! A Quiz
-
- If a member of the audience describes your speech as bombastic, does that person mean it is:
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Share lap
Resources for lap