tapa

1 of 2

noun (1)

ta·​pa ˈtä-pə 

ˈta-

: a coarse cloth made in the Pacific islands from the pounded bark especially of the paper mulberry and usually decorated with geometric patterns

tapa

2 of 2

noun (2)

: an hors d'oeuvre served with drinks especially in Spanish bars

—usually used in plural

Examples of tapa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Similar to its flagship location in South End, the private lounge that requires membership offers craft cocktails and elevated shareables, including charcuterie boards and seasonal tapas plates — plus weekly live performances from local musicians. —Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2024

Bar Los Diamantes Famed for its fried fish tapas, Bar Los Diamantes is a hit among both locals and tourists alike. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2024

Similar to tapas, pintxos are small bar bites served on skewers. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 7 May 2024

Small tapas include dishes like asparagus salad with tamarind-lime dressing and pistachios and boquerones prepared with garlic, black lime and piparra peppers. —Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 22 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Marquesan & Tahitian

Noun (2)

Spanish, literally, cover, lid, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old English tæppa tap

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1817, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1939, in the meaning defined above