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
Drivers can also deploy maximum battery power anywhere on the lap if enough energy remains. Brad Spurgeon, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2026 Whether you’re tucked up in bed or just getting back from laps at the pool, this robe is an active lifestyle’s best friend. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
Hollywood creates silver screen narratives adored by the world, but its institution for visual art was getting lapped by smaller cities. Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 6 Mar. 2026 Sand Harbor State Park A hair under an hour from Reno, Lake Tahoe’s most photogenic shoreline features clear, turquoise water lapping against smooth granite boulders and an expansive, sandy beach seemingly flown in from Turks & Caicos. Ted Alvarez, Outside, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lap
leg
Noun
  • Matthews stayed down favoring his left leg before being helped to the locker room.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The Anaheim Ducks’ captain took out the left leg of Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews with a knee-on-knee hit during the second period Thursday night, one of the uglier hits of the 2025-26 season.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lap. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

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