tapa

1 of 2

noun (1)

ta·​pa ˈtä-pə How to pronounce tapa (audio) ˈta- How to pronounce tapa (audio)
: 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 date also coincides with the restaurant’s weekly Tapas Thursday special, where diners can mix and match any four tapas dishes for just $30. Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2024 Menu details The menu is an all-day affair, offering the same small list of sandwiches, light bites and tapas for both lunch and dinner. Kayleigh Ruller, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for tapa 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tapa.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of tapa was in 1817

Dictionary Entries Near tapa

Cite this Entry

“Tapa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tapa. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

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