napped; napping
: a hairy, fuzzy, or downy surface (as on a fabric)
British
: a pick or recommendation as a good bet to win a contest (such as a horse race)
also
: one named in a nap
Examples of nap in a Sentence
Verb (1)
decided to let the kids nap for a few more minutes before waking them
I'm just going to nap the entire afternoon
Noun (1)
so tired that she needed to take a refreshing nap before soccer practice
Noun (2)
high-quality suede has a good, even nap
Recent Examples on the Web
Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2026
Thao’s toddler grandson was napping on the couch when the immigration agents broke through the door on a Sunday afternoon and forced their way in with guns drawn, according to the family.
—Mark Vancleave, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2026
Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026
As anyone who’s ever taken a hammock nap, or spent an afternoon reading while wrapped up in one, hammocks are worth, well, much more than their weight in gold.
—Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nap
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Verb
The eye mask helps block out any extra light in my room when napping during the day.
—Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2026
Thao’s toddler grandson was napping on the couch when the immigration agents broke through the door on a Sunday afternoon and forced their way in with guns drawn, according to the family.
—Mark Vancleave, Twin Cities, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
Suites at the 59-room property are generously sized, blackout blinds safeguard nap schedules, and the kitchenette is stocked with Aussie treats to tide everyone over.
—Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026
As anyone who’s ever taken a hammock nap, or spent an afternoon reading while wrapped up in one, hammocks are worth, well, much more than their weight in gold.
—Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nap
Cite this Entry
“Nap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nap. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
nap
1 of 4 verb
napped; napping
1
: to sleep briefly especially during the day
2
: to be off guard
was caught napping
nap
2 of 4 noun
: a short sleep especially during the day
nap
3 of 4 noun
: a hairy or downy surface on a woven fabric or leather
nappy
adjective
ˈnap-ē
nap
4 of 4 verb
napped; napping
: to raise a nap on fabric or leather
Etymology
Verb
Old English hnappian "to doze"
Noun
Middle English noppe "soft surface on a fabric," from early Dutch noppe "tuft of wool, nap"
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