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tap

verb (1)
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\ ˈtap How to pronounce tap (audio) \
tapped; tapping

Definition of tap

 (Entry 1 of 4)

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

tap

noun (1)

Definition of tap (Entry 2 of 4)

1a : 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 sense 1
4 : half sole
5 : flap sense 7

tap

noun (2)

Definition of tap (Entry 3 of 4)

1a : 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
2a : 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

tap

verb (2)
tapped; tapping

Definition of tap (Entry 4 of 4)

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
2a : 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
tap into
: to make a strong or advantageous connection with trying to tap into a new market

First Known Use of tap

Verb (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun (2)

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

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for tap

Verb (1)

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

Noun (2)

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

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Time Traveler for tap

Time Traveler

The first known use of tap was before the 12th century

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Statistics for tap

Cite this Entry

“Tap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tap. Accessed 24 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for tap

tap

verb
\ ˈtap How to pronounce tap (audio) \
tapped; tapping

Kids Definition of tap

 (Entry 1 of 4)

: to hit lightly

Other Words from tap

tapper noun

tap

noun

Kids Definition of tap (Entry 2 of 4)

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

tap

noun

Kids Definition of tap (Entry 3 of 4)

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

tap

verb
tapped; tapping

Kids Definition of tap (Entry 4 of 4)

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

Other Words from tap

tapper noun

tap

noun
\ ˈtap How to pronounce tap (audio) \

Medical Definition of tap

 (Entry 1 of 4)

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

tap

transitive verb
tapped; tapping

Medical Definition of tap (Entry 2 of 4)

: to pierce so as to let out or draw off a fluid tap the spine for a specimen of cerebrospinal fluid

tap

transitive verb
tapped; tapping

Medical Definition of tap (Entry 3 of 4)

: to strike lightly especially with a slight sound

tap

noun

Medical Definition of tap (Entry 4 of 4)

: a light usually audible blow also : its sound

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More from Merriam-Webster on tap

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tap

Nglish: Translation of tap for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of tap for Arabic Speakers

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