plural tapes
1
: a long, narrow piece of material that is sticky on one side and that is used to stick things together or to cover or repair something
adhesive/packing tape
a piece of tape
His eyeglasses are held together with tape.
2
a
: a thin piece of plastic that is coated with magnetic material on which information (such as sound or television images) may be stored
The show was recorded on tape.
called also magnetic tape
b
: something recorded on tape
We watched a tape [=recording] of a program/concert.
I was listening to a tape in the car.
called also tape recording
c
: a thin case that contains a long piece of magnetic tape on which something is recorded : cassette
an audio tape
She stuck a tape in the VCR.
3
: a long, thin piece of material that is stretched across the finish line of a race
She broke the tape [=she finished first in the race] in record time.
4
5
: a long, thin piece of plastic, paper, or cloth
The crime scene was marked off with yellow police tape.
tapes; taped; taping
1
: to attach (something) using sticky tape
She taped a note to/on the refrigerator.
2
: to fasten, tie, or cover (something) with tape
I taped the box shut.
He taped (up) the ends of the wire.
3
: to record (something) on magnetic tape
The show is taped before a live audience.
a taped interview
4
chiefly US
: to wrap (an injured body part) tightly with long pieces of special cloth
The doctor taped (up) her ankle.
Cite this Entry
“Tape.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/tape. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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