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

La Terrazza’s menu features Italian specialties, with pasta made onboard, while Silver Note is a swank supper club, where gourmet tapas are served against a backdrop of live jazz. —David Swanson, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2024

The menu is divided into small tapas ($9-18), large tapas ($17-140), charcuterie boards ($36), as well as specials, like a rotating crudo and desserts. —Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 22 Apr. 2024

The latest: Hestia, the upscale restaurant in the Seaholm district, opened its new Hestia Bar earlier this year, previously occupied by Spanish tapas bar Kalimotxo. —Nicole Cobler, Axios, 2 Aug. 2024

From flavorful tapas to mouthwatering entrees, every bite is a celebration of taste and freshness. —Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 31 July 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