lap 1 of 3

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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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
As time passed, fewer people chose lap band surgery, which has now fallen out of favor, and newer obesity drugs were increasingly available in the trials’ later stages. Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 19 Jan. 2026 Sudden opportunities to travel might fall in your lap. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 19 Jan. 2026
Verb
The Warner Bros release scored 18 noms Monday, lapping its nearest rival, Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, which got nine. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2026 Fitness center memberships at both facilities include use of the fitness rooms, track, gym and classes as well as the sauna, whirlpool and lap swim times at Rakow’s indoor pool. Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lap
leg
Noun
  • Surveillance footage from outside the store shows the deputy pinning Graham to the ground and holding him by the neck with his legs as Graham continued to fight back.
    Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
  • When Kelly covered first base in an attempt to complete a double play, he got annoyed when Brantley’s foot clipped his leg.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lap. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.

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