Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus
1

tap

verb \ ˈtap \

Definition of tap

tapped; tapping
transitive verb
1 : to strike lightly especially with a slight sound
2 : to give a light blow with
  • tap a pencil on the table
3 : to bring about by repeated light blows
  • tap out a story on the typewriter
4 : to repair by putting a tap on
5 : select, designate
  • was tapped for police commissioner
; specifically : to elect to membership (as in a fraternity)
intransitive verb
1 : to strike a light audible blow : rap
2 : to walk with light audible steps
3 : tap-dance
—

tapper

noun

Origin and Etymology of tap

Middle English tappen, from Old French taper to strike with the flat of the hand, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle High German tāpe paw, blow dealt with the paw

Other Alcoholic Beverage Terms

finish, gimlet, mull, sake, setup, sommelier, syllabub, vintner, wassail

2

tap

noun

Definition of tap

1 a : a light usually audible blow; also : its sound
b : one of several usually rapid drumbeats on a snare drum
2 : a small metal plate for the sole or heel of a shoe
3 : tap dance 1
4 : half sole
5 : flap 7

First Known Use of tap

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler
3

tap

noun

Definition of tap

1 a : a plug for a hole (as in a cask) : spigot
b : a device consisting of a spout and valve attached to the end of a pipe to control the flow of a fluid : faucet
2 a : a liquor drawn through a tap
b : the procedure of removing fluid (as from a body cavity)
3 : wiretap
4 : a tool for forming an internal screw thread
5 : an intermediate point in an electric circuit where a connection may be made
— on tap
1 : ready to be drawn from a large container (such as a cask or keg)
  • ale on tap
2 : broached or furnished with a tap
3 : on hand : available
  • services instantly on tap
  • —Hugh Dwan
4 : coming up
  • other matches on tap
  • —H. W. Wind

Origin and Etymology of tap

Middle English tappe, from Old English tæppa; akin to Old High German zapho tap

4

tap

verb

Definition of tap

tapped; tapping
transitive verb
1 : to let out or cause to flow by piercing or by drawing a plug from the containing vessel
  • tap wine from a cask
2 a : to pierce so as to let out or draw off a fluid
  • tap maple trees
b : to draw out, from, or upon
  • tap new sources of revenue
  • the story taps powerful emotions
3 : to cut in on (something, such as a telephone or radio signal) to get information
4 : to form an internal screw thread in by means of a tap
5 : to get money from as a loan or gift
6 : to connect (a street gas or water main) with a local supply
—

tapper

noun
— tap into
: to make a strong or advantageous connection with
  • trying to tap into a new market

First Known Use of tap

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year
NEW! Time Traveler

Phrases Related to TAP

Related Phrases

TAP Defined for Kids

1

tap

verb \ ˈtap \

Definition of tap for Students

tapped; tapping
: to hit lightly
—

tapper

noun
2

tap

noun

Definition of tap for Students

: a light blow or its sound
  • There was a tap at the window.
3

tap

noun

Definition of tap for Students

: faucet, spigot
— on tap
: coming up
  • What's on tap for the weekend?
4

tap

verb

Definition of tap for Students

tapped; tapping
1 : to let out or cause to flow by making a hole or by pulling out a plug
  • He tapped water from a barrel.
2 : to make a hole in to draw off a liquid
  • We tap maple trees for sap.
3 : to draw from or upon
  • I tapped the last of my savings.
4 : to connect into (a telephone wire) to listen secretly
—

tapper

noun

Medical Dictionary

1

tap

noun \ ˈtap \

medical Definition of tap

: the procedure of removing fluid (as from a body cavity) — see lumbar puncture
2

tap

transitive verb

medical Definition of tap

tapped; tapping
: to pierce so as to let out or draw off a fluid
  • tap the spine for a specimen of cerebrospinal fluid
3

tap

transitive verb

medical Definition of tap

tapped; tapping
: to strike lightly especially with a slight sound
4

tap

noun

medical Definition of tap

: a light usually audible blow; also : its sound

Learn More about tap

  1. See words that rhyme with tap Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tap Spanish Central: Translation of tap Nglish: Translation of tap for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of tap for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up tap? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

WORD OF THE DAY

thwart

play

to oppose successfully

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. hogwash 'nonsense, balderdash'

  2. probity 'adherence to the highest principles and ideals'

  3. sequacious 'intellectually servile'

  4. inadmissible 'not capable of being allowed'

  5. oligarch, pejorative 'a member a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

tap

Test Your Vocabulary

The Eponym Quiz

  • rubens-painting
  • Which is the best synonym of bowdlerize?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Bee Cubed

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games