lap 1 of 3

as in leg
a portion of a trip we were on the last lap of the journey, eagerly heading for home

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lap

2 of 3

verb (1)

1
as in to wash
to flow along or against the waves gently lapped the sandy shore

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2
as in to splash
to flow in a broken irregular stream the creek lapped along through the ravine before collecting in the pond

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3
as in to ripple
to move with a splashing motion a stiff breeze that was causing the lake waters to lap against the hull with some force

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lap

3 of 3

verb (2)

1
as in to overlap
to lie over parts of one another the armadillo's plates lap tightly so as to form a protective shield

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2

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lap
Noun
Within just a few years, Elevate fell into her lap when the original owners sold her the business and its two studios—what had started as a part-time hustle became her full-time career in 2019. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025 But then, with victory in sight, his gearbox failed, and by the final lap his lead had shrunk to just four seconds. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
There were no real victory laps for anyone. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025 While the conversation has centered on how the sea will lap away at the ice shelves, some scientists are increasingly concerned about what’s happening up top, as warming air melts the ice sheet’s surface. Evan Howell, Quanta Magazine, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lap
leg
Noun
  • On just about every shift after that, Michkov appeared to be a player who had regained his skating legs and confidence.
    Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The wide-leg pants and cap-sleeve top strike that sweet spot between relaxed and refined, while the soft, stretchy fabric keeps you comfy from takeoff to touchdown.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lap. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

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