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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The seeds should be tamped gently into the soil instead of being covered by soil because the seeds need light to germinate. Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Jan. 2026 Once cedar fever season hits, pollen counts go up with cold fronts that bring dry and windy weather, but if a cold front brings rain, that tends to tamp down the pollen. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026
Noun
The robot uses a depth camera to map obstacles and adjust its path in real time, and its AI system analyzes soil pH and humidity before initiating a three-step dig-place-tamp planting sequence. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025 But Sarah remains resolute, Bert tamps down his desire to make a quick buck — for a while, at least — and the situation starts to draw national attention, thanks to the involvement of a white civil rights attorney and a Black reporter from up north. Joe Leydon, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tamp

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tamp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tamp. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

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

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