tap

1 of 4

verb (1)

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

2 of 4

noun (1)

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
4
5

tap

3 of 4

noun (2)

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
4
: a tool for forming an internal screw thread
5
: an intermediate point in an electric circuit where a connection may be made

tap

4 of 4

verb (2)

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
Phrases
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 tapHugh Dwan
4
: coming up
other matches on tapH. W. Wind
tap into
: to make a strong or advantageous connection with
trying to tap into a new market

Examples of tap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Given the growing popularity of its digital platforms, the NBA is tapping into artificial intelligence to enhance fans' viewing experience. Fox News Staff, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2024 Pitchfork Music Festival announced its 2024 lineup on Wednesday (March 13), tapping dozens of artists for performances in Chicago’s Union Park July 19-21. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2024 Moreover, repetitive rapid finger tapping is a common test of fine motor control of the upper extremities as well as a standard means of assessing the potential effects of neurodegenerative disease and traumatic brain injury. Sabrina Sholts, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 Fingernail of heat Lightning tapping the tabled sky. Amy Woolard, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 Astera tapped into investor bullishness on AI as part of a 2022 funding round led by Fidelity Management & Research that raised $150 million at a $3.15 billion valuation. Phil Serafino, Bloomberg.com, 8 Mar. 2024 Guilt taps into something that’s difficult to express out loud. Kishori Rajan, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024 While the restaurant may be known for its wine list, with recognition from Wine Spectator's Restaurant Awards since 2002, this dinner taps into Milwaukee’s brewing history along with Aprahamian’s work and family ties. Kristine M. Kierzek, Journal Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2024 Another day, another new series ordered by Netflix, and an entry into a new category with former One Day At a Time star Justina Machado tapped to star. Marc Berman, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
Noun
Tips, bounces and taps generally take less time than catching and shooting. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2024 O’Brien’s has 28 craft beers on tap and an additional 60 or so in bottles. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2024 The vibe Nods to the former bus repair garage include walls covered with pegboard and beer taps with school buses as handles. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 7 Mar. 2024 Officially, these programs are a way for countries without many other avenues to riches (such as oil or gas) to enhance economic development and tap into foreign capital. Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 The previous home to Big Stump Brewing Co. currently features 12 beers on tap at $6.50 per glass, with sizes ranging from 12 to 16 ounces (a pint), depending on the brew’s strength. Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2024 In Tunisia, entire neighborhoods had their taps shut off for several hours each day last year. Sam Metz, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024 The tribe, located southwest of Phoenix endured having its water taken in the early 20th century and fought a long and hard battle to get the taps flowing and their fields productive again. Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 The traditionally free and open spring game, designated as the final session of 15 football spring practices that begin Monday, showcases what’s on tap for the 2024 season. Susan Miller Degnan, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tap.' 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 (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

First Known Use

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near tap

Cite this Entry

“Tap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tap. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

tap

1 of 4 noun
1
2
: the procedure of removing fluid from a container or cavity by tapping

tap

2 of 4 verb
tapped; tapping
1
: to release or cause to flow by making a hole or by drawing a plug from a container or cavity
tap wine from a cask
2
a
: to make a hole in so as to let out or draw off a fluid
tap maple trees
b
: to draw from or upon
tap the nation's resources
tapper noun

tap

3 of 4 verb
tapped; tapping
: to strike or cause to strike lightly especially with a slight sound
tap on a window
tap one's foot
tapper noun

tap

4 of 4 noun
1
: a light blow or its sound
2
: a small metal plate for the sole or heel of a shoe (as for tap dancing)
Etymology

Noun

Old English tæppa "a plug for a hole (as in a wine cask)"

Verb

Middle English tappen "to strike lightly, tap," from early French taper "to strike with the side of the hand"; of Germanic origin

Medical Definition

tap

1 of 4 noun
: the procedure of removing fluid (as from a body cavity) see lumbar puncture

tap

2 of 4 transitive verb
tapped; tapping
: to pierce so as to let out or draw off a fluid
tap the spine for a specimen of cerebrospinal fluid

tap

3 of 4 transitive verb
tapped; tapping
: to strike lightly especially with a slight sound

tap

4 of 4 noun
: a light usually audible blow
also : its sound

More from Merriam-Webster on tap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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