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

The pair met up at a tapas bar — but not before Kelly’s friends had scoped out the spot and made sure Brunt looked like a good match. —Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 17 Nov. 2025

The neighborhood of Santa Catalina, a short walk from the old town of Palma, hosts many of the city’s most interesting tapas bars (many recommend reserving ahead). —Emilio Parra Doiztua, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025

The cafe hosts rooftop events including yoga sessions and even offers a special rooftop tapas menu. —Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025

Breakfast, lunch, and evening tapas are served at the Farmhouse restaurant, where tables spill onto a new garden shaded by olive trees and furnished with wrought-iron chairs topped with striped and botanical-print cushions. —Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025

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