sap

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈsap 

1

a

: the fluid part of a plant

specifically : a watery solution that circulates through a plant's vascular system

b(1)

: a body fluid (such as blood) essential to life, health, or vigor

(2)

: bodily health and vigor

2

: a foolish gullible person

3

[probably short for sapling] : blackjack, bludgeon

sapless

ˈsa-pləs 

adjective

saplessness

ˈsa-pləs-nəs 

noun

sap

2 of 3

noun (2)

: the extension of a trench to a point beneath an enemy's fortifications

sapless

3 of 3

adjective

sap·​less ˈsaplə̇s 

1

a

: destitute of sap or other vital juices : dry

the wood dry and splintered and dead, the rats and roaches scurrying along the sapless planks

—Norman Mailer

b

: barren and unproductive from lack of moisture

a rock, barren, and herbless, and sapless

—E. G. Bulwer-Lytton

2

: lacking vitality : lifeless, feeble

my mother's hair at this time was full of gray and her body looked sapless

—Nadine Gordimer

3

: being without substantial value : insipid

a somewhat sapless tale of a poor little rich girl and a rich little poor boy

—Florence Bullock

saplessness noun

plural -es

Synonyms of sap

Noun (1)

• energy
• vigor
• juice
• gas

Examples of sap in a Sentence

Noun (1)

a child full of sap and vivacity

some poor sap would probably fall for that telephone scam

the sadistic prison guards freely used their saps to enforce discipline

I may no longer have the sap of youth, but I do have the sapience that comes only with advanced years

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Although aphids have a reputation for being harmful, sap-sucking pests that wreak havoc on the garden, these insects aren't always a bad thing. —Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 31 May 2026

Before, Ahmad could tap — meaning to cut incisions in the acacia trees, which exude sap that a few weeks later hardens into nodules of Hashab gum — four orchards in one go. —Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026

For Removing Tree Sap On A Windshield Park your car under a tree and now your windshield is full of sap? —Lauren David, Southern Living, 27 May 2026

This slows growth, destroys social trust, increases judgment and moralism, and saps societal happiness. —Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 24 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1) and Adjective

Middle English, from Old English sæp; akin to Old High German saf sap

Noun (2)

French sape, from saper

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

1642, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sap

• cell sap
• nuclear sap
• sap green
• verb sap
• verbum sap

Rhymes for sap

• app
• cap
• chap
• clap
• crap
• flap
• frap
• gap
• hap
• lap
• nap
• nappe

Kids Definition

sap

1 of 2 noun

ˈsap 

1

: the fluid part of a plant

especially : a watery solution that circulates through a higher plant and carries food and nutrients

2

: bodily health and vigor : vitality sense 3b

3

: a foolish person who is easily tricked or cheated

sap

2 of 2 verb

sapped; sapping

1

: undermine sense 2

heavy waves sapped the seawall

2

: to weaken gradually

illness sapped my strength

Medical Definition

sap

see cell sap, nuclear sap