tamp

1 of 2

verb

tamped; tamping; tamps

transitive verb

1
: to drive in or down by a succession of light or medium blows
tamp wet concrete
2
: to put a check on : reduce, lessen
tamp down rumors

tamp

2 of 2

noun

plural tamps
: a tool for tamping : tamper entry 2
Fill the form half full with fresh, undisturbed snow, firmly packing it down using the cutout can bottom as a tamp; tamp around the inside edges as you go.James Boone

Examples of tamp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Paying off competitors The moves also tamped down innovation, according to the DOJ. Hugh Son, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2024 Consumer demand was so strong as the nation emerged from the pandemic that the Fed’s rate hikes to tamp down inflation softened consumption and economic growth without causing a downturn. Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 23 Sep. 2024
Noun
The tamp function combined with the more compact container kept everything together. Megan Wahn, Bon Appétit, 18 Sep. 2024 His message could be persuasive with politicians who want to save local news and tamp down the power of big technology. Alex Sherman, CNBC, 26 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for tamp 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tamp.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

probably back-formation from obsolete tampion, tampin plug, from Middle English, from Middle French tapon, tampon, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German zapho tap — more at tap entry 3

First Known Use

Verb

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tamp was in 1834

Dictionary Entries Near tamp

Cite this Entry

“Tamp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tamp. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

tamp

verb
ˈtamp
1
: to drive in or down by a series of blows
2
: to put a check on : lessen
tamp down rumors
tamper noun

More from Merriam-Webster on tamp

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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