Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

taps

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction \ ˈtaps \

Definition of taps

: the last bugle call at night blown as a signal that lights are to be put out; also : a similar call blown at military funerals and memorial services

Origin and Etymology of taps

probably alteration of earlier taptoo tattoo — more at 3tattoo

TAPS Defined for English Language Learners

taps

noun

Definition of taps for English Language Learners

  • military : a song played on a bugle at military funerals and at night as a signal for soldiers to go to bed

TAPS Defined for Kids

taps

noun plural \ ˈtaps \

Definition of taps for Students

: the last bugle call at night blown as a signal to put out the lights
Hint: Taps can be used as a singular or a plural in writing and speaking.

Learn More about taps

  1. See words that rhyme with taps Nglish: Translation of taps for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of taps for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up taps? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

thwart

play

to oppose successfully

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. hogwash 'nonsense, balderdash'

  2. probity 'adherence to the highest principles and ideals'

  3. sequacious 'intellectually servile'

  4. inadmissible 'not capable of being allowed'

  5. oligarch, pejorative 'a member a government in which a small group exercises control especially for corrupt and selfish purposes'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

taps

Test Your Vocabulary

The Eponym Quiz

  • rubens-painting
  • Which is the best synonym of bowdlerize?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Bee Cubed

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games