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 plural

Examples of tapa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Nearby Priego de Córdoba has some lovely tapas spots and fruit and vegetable stands with incredible fresh produce. — Alicia Sanchez, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026

The food at Iberian Pig Open for dinner only, Iberian Pig offers familiar tapas such as albondigas (pork meatballs), patatas bravas and pan con tomate, along with pork cheek tacos, short rib empanadas and pulpo (octopus). — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026

Its menu is built around trad Spanish tapas spanning jamón, manchego and padrón peppers through to croquetas, gambas al ajillo, tortilla and oversized pans of seafood paella or arroz negro. — Lela London, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

The rustic interior has plenty of simple, rough-hewn wooden furniture, which allows beautiful plates of pintxos and tapas to shine brightly. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026

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