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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Alcoholic Beverage Terms

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

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

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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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

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

TAP Defined for Kids

tap

verb \ ˈtap \

Definition of tap for Students

tapped; tapping

: to hit lightly

—

tapper

noun

tap

noun

Definition of tap for Students

: a light blow or its sound

There was a tap at the window.

tap

noun

Definition of tap for Students

: faucet, spigot

— on tap

: coming up

What's on tap for the weekend?

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

tap

noun \ ˈtap \

medical Definition of tap

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

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

tap

transitive verb

medical Definition of tap

tapped; tapping

: to strike lightly especially with a slight sound

tap

noun

medical Definition of tap

: a light usually audible blow; also : its sound

Learn More about tap

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

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tap

Definition of tap

tapper

Origin and Etymology of tap

Other Alcoholic Beverage Terms

tap

Definition of tap

First Known Use of tap

tap

Definition of tap

Origin and Etymology of tap

tap

Definition of tap

tapper

First Known Use of tap

Phrases Related to TAP

Related Phrases

TAP Defined for Kids

tap

Definition of tap for Students

tapper

tap

Definition of tap for Students

tap

Definition of tap for Students

tap

Definition of tap for Students

tapper

Medical Dictionary

tap

medical Definition of tap

tap

medical Definition of tap

tap

medical Definition of tap

tap

medical Definition of tap

Learn More about tap

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