taper

1 of 4

verb

ta·​per ˈtā-pər How to pronounce taper (audio)
tapered; tapering ˈtā-p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce taper (audio)

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 How to pronounce taper (audio)
: one that applies or dispenses tape

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
Made up of about two dozen meticulous braids, her cornrows start out tapered at her hairline, thickening a bit along her head, and coming together at the nape of her neck before dangling several gorgeous feet. Marci Robin, Allure, 18 Mar. 2024 The snow -- in some places a mix of snow, rain and even some sleet -- is on track to taper and exit the DMV from west to east between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Jason Samenow, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2024 Similar to many programs that tapered with the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, Pfizer now distributes the drug. Ken Alltucker, The Courier-Journal, 10 Jan. 2024 The flattering silhouette shows off your curves with a tighter-fit around the thighs, but slowly tapers out from the knee, opposite from skinny jeans. Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 While careers are designed for a fast, linear, up-or-out progression that tapers post-50. Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 The Buffalo and Watertown, New York, areas will see snow totals of 1 to 3 feet by the time the storm tapers down early in the week. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 14 Jan. 2024 But since then, as different firms have splintered off in new directions, the initial groundswell has tapered too, making the plans even harder to implement. Jane Thier, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2024 The 18-karat red gold Stunning Sight version features a pavé dial, set with 281 diamonds that taper to curve around the edges of the chapter ring and tourbillon window. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 22 Feb. 2024
Noun
But my favorite corner of the Buckhorn is the bar, with its dripping taper candles and bartender, Sam Seidenberg, mixing drinks behind the counter. Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2024 Express forecast Today: Steady rain tapers early, then scattered lighter showers. Molly Robey, Washington Post, 28 Jan. 2024 Hialeah Fire Rescue Paramedic Roly Medina told WSVN rescue crews found the dog wedged in the building tapers, facing the opposite way. Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2024 The most popular shovel blade shape is round, but square and taper shovels have their benefits. L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2023 This gorgeous hourglass pillar candle combines the look of a taper candle and holder all in one for the perfect centerpiece. Taylor Gumm, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2024 American Eagle’s take gets the tailoring just right, offering skinny thighs with a slim taper through the legs. Jake Smith, Glamour, 30 Jan. 2024 Get crafty making wall art, a tote bag, or high-end-looking twisted taper candles, plus sixteen other DIY projects to try. Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2023 Another option is to go with an all-white tablescape and tons of white taper candles (this provides a great contrast to the otherwise stark color). Mary Carol Garrity, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024
Adjective
Instead, grab a few pairs of these taper candles that are hand painted with tiny bows. Anne Loreto Cruz, Bon Appétit, 8 Feb. 2024 Tall taper candles that loom over your head at dinner? Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 15 Dec. 2023 This set of taper flameless candles by Luminara come in at 9.75 inches tall and feature LED lights that flicker to resemble a traditional candle flame. Addie Morton, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2023 Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Break Out All the Candles For a rehearsal dinner or intimate indoor reception, this fresh green garland accented with simple pillar candles, taper candles, and mini white pumpkins makes an elegant statement. Molly Miller, House Beautiful, 29 July 2023 To take it a step further, color coordinate your items, bring pillows or seat cushions, and light some taper candles. Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'taper.' 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)

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of taper was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near taper

Cite this Entry

“Taper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/taper. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

taper

1 of 2 noun
ta·​per ˈtā-pər How to pronounce taper (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on taper

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