lap 1 of 3

noun

Definition of lapnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in to wrap
to surround or cover closely this recording of the symphony is sure to lap listeners in stereophonic bliss

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Because the hybrid side of the new power units provides such little energy, going flat out all the time is not the fastest way to complete a lap. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 20 July 2026 The new Club 27 wellness membership grants access to guests’ favorite hotel perks, including the 72-foot heated indoor lap pool, infrared sauna and steam room, outdoor sun deck, and fitness center with Peloton bikes and Technogym equipment. — Nina Ruggiero, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026
Verb
Even then, after days of heavy rain, polluted lagoon water lapped at the edges of the city. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026 Trump’s announcement took some off guard and upended the housing victory laps lawmakers had planned. — Cq Roll Call, Boston Herald, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lap
  1. leg
  2. wash
  3. splash
  4. ripple
  5. overlap
  6. wrap
  7. bathe
  8. bubble
Noun
  • In late June, Elsadig was sitting at a water truck station when a drone strike hit the area, severing his left leg.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • The final leg departed Seattle late that night and landed the next morning in Miami.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
Definition of leg
Verb
  • Oh, and definitely hit up Fishetarian (two minutes down the road) for a killer Dungeness crab melt and Captain Davey’s Espresso (also just two minutes down the road) for an affogato to wash it all down.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
  • Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects food that has come into contact with human feces, most commonly when produce is irrigated or washed with contaminated water.
    — Savannah Peters, Fortune, 18 July 2026
Definition of wash
Verb
  • Onlookers watched the storm surge at the Lake Pontchartrain estuary, with kids splashing in the floodwaters as Bertha approached the Louisiana Coast.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
  • Water enthusiasts can also splash at an on-site waterpark complete with a 300-foot-long waterslide, or relax in beach bungalows.
    — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026
Definition of splash
Verb
  • Disability spans every age, race, culture and socioeconomic background, and investment in accessibility and inclusive programming tends to ripple outward, improving experiences for older adults, veterans, families and caregivers along the way.
    — Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • On a normal day, there is little to report beyond the small earthquakes that ripple constantly around the world.
    — Andrei Popoviciu, The Dial, 21 July 2026
Definition of ripple
Verb
  • Security teams must navigate overlapping requirements that include NIST frameworks, state privacy laws, cyber insurance mandates, industry regulations, supply-chain oversight and emerging AI governance expectations.
    — Rob McCormick, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • On the right, Hoffman would often drift wide to link-up with the overlapping Jeremie Frimpong, comfortable carrying the ball forward in wide spaces.
    — David Ornstein, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of overlap
Verb
  • Bursting with juicy mango and wrapped in a soft, pillowy haze, this IPA brings big Midway energy to every sip.
    — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026
  • The sandals are completed by delicate, adjustable ankle straps that wrap over the top of the foot and fasten with a buckle closure.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 July 2026
Definition of wrap
Verb
  • However, many parents find that bathing their baby right before bed helps establish a routine and creates a soothing and calming atmosphere for bedtime.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
  • Much like the lobby and public areas, the rooms are bathed in natural light, with clean lines, warm woods, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026
Definition of bathe
Verb
  • That warnings from front-line salespeople took so long to bubble up to senior management, and out to stockholders, is also alarming.
    — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 14 July 2026
  • There is no one in the system bubbling under who can take on a prime offensive role, although the team would have been thrilled if Russian power winger Maxim Berezkin had signed with the team.
    — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Definition of bubble

Phrases Containing lap

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lanyards
lap
lapdog
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Cite this Entry

“Lap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lap. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lap

Nglish: Translation of lap for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lap

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