soap

1 of 2

noun

ˈsōp 

1

a

: a cleansing and emulsifying agent made usually by action of alkali on fat or fatty acids and consisting essentially of sodium or potassium salts of such acids

b

: a salt of a fatty acid and a metal

2

: soap opera

soap

2 of 2

verb

soaped; soaping; soaps

transitive verb

1

: to rub soap over or into

2

: flatter

Synonyms of soap

Noun

• cleaner
• detergent
• shampoo

Examples of soap in a Sentence

Noun

Make sure you use soap and water to wash your hands.

The store sells many different brands of liquid soaps.

Her first acting job was on a soap.

Verb

I soap my hair first when I take a shower.

He soaped and rinsed the car.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Plans include transitioning to eco-conscious mattresses and bedding, sourcing in-room products—such as soaps and linens—from local makers and sustainable brands, and working with specialist landscapers to preserve native plants and reduce water use. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026

Manicure trends like milk bath nails, soap nails, and BB cream nails all feature the same nude color and shiny finish that’s flattering for all skin tones. —Lina-Marie Baatz, Glamour, 20 Feb. 2026

Verb

Trust us—you’ve never been scrubbed and soaped up so clean in your life. —Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025

Those ranged from soaping windows to fires and destruction of property, according to the State Historical Society of Iowa. —Bychris Morris, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English sope, from Old English sāpe; akin to Old High German seifa soap

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing soap

• bar soap
• Castile soap
• green soap
• saddle soap
• soap bubble
• soap opera
• soap plant
• soap powder
• soft soap
• toilet soap

Rhymes for soap

• cope
• dope
• grope
• lope
• mope
• nope
• rope
• scope
• shope
• slope
• stope
• swope

Kids Definition

soap

1 of 2 noun

ˈsōp 

1

: a substance that is usually made by the action of alkali on fat, dissolves in water, and is used for washing

2

: a salt of a fatty acid

3

: soap opera

soap

2 of 2 verb

: to rub soap over or into

Medical Definition

soap

noun

ˈsōp 

1

: a cleansing and emulsifying agent made usually by action of alkali on fat or fatty acids and consisting essentially of sodium or potassium salts of such acids

2

: a salt of a fatty acid and a metal