taper

1 of 4

verb

ta·​per ˈtā-pər 

tapered; tapering ˈtā-p(ə-)riŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to become progressively smaller toward one end

2

: to diminish gradually

transitive verb

: to cause to taper

taper

2 of 4

noun (1)

1

a

: a slender candle

b

: a long waxed wick used especially for lighting candles, lamps, pipes, or fires

c

: a feeble light

2

a

: a tapering form or figure

b

: gradual diminution of thickness, diameter, or width in an elongated object

c

: a gradual decrease

taper

3 of 4

adjective

1

: progressively narrowed toward one end

2

: furnished with or adjusted to a scale : graduated

taper freight rates

taper

4 of 4

noun (2)

tap·​er ˈtā-pər 

: one that applies or dispenses tape

Synonyms of taper

Verb

• decrease
• subside
• diminish
• ease
• shrink
• decline
• fall

Examples of taper in a Sentence

Verb

leaves that taper to a point

you'll find the symptoms begin tapering gradually about 24 hours after you take the medicine

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Gaddy said peak androgen levels typically hit in a man’s 30s and 40s, then taper gradually rather than dropping off a cliff. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026

An alternative, positive scenario for stocks could come to pass if companies taper their capex over the next year in line with expectations, as opposed to giving it a drastic defensive cut. — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 27 July 2026

Noun

Dim your dining room chandelier and burn tapers, or create a focal point with a cluster of low votives paired with sculptural tapers on an entry table—all in thrifted holders, of course. — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 23 July 2026

The bottoms feature a high-rise waistline, leg-elongating taper, and ultra comfortable feel thanks to their cotton blend. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 15 July 2026

Adjective

Birch recommends a layered approach with taper candles grouped en masse, low pendant lighting, and lanterns for a warm, welcoming ambiance. — Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 20 Apr. 2026

To play up the cozy factor, Kelly styled this haven with taper candles in brass holders and a potted plant. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English tapor candle, wick, perhaps modification of Latin papyrus papyrus

Noun (2)

tape entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

1610, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

circa 1920, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing taper

• taper off

Rhymes for taper

• caper
• paper
• raper
• scraper
• shaper
• vapor
• newspaper
• notepaper
• sandpaper
• skyscraper
• wallpaper
• wastepaper

Kids Definition

taper

1 of 2 noun

ta·​per ˈtā-pər 

1

a

: a long waxed wick used especially for lighting lamps, pipes, or fires

b

: a slender candle

2

a

: a tapering form or figure

b

: gradual lessening of thickness, diameter, or width in a long object

c

: a gradual decrease

taper

2 of 2 verb

tapered; tapering

ˈtā-p(ə-)riŋ

1

: to make or become gradually smaller toward one end

2

: to become gradually less and less