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
What if Ohio State standout safety Caleb Downs falls into Miami’s lap merely because his position isn’t considered a premium one? David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026 Margaret sat in her mom's lap at the premiere afterparty for The Substance star's 2024 movie Drive-Away Dolls. Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
And as with a theoretical modern-day version of Veep, there’s a sense that fact is already starting to lap fiction. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2026 From curling waves and the golden sands along the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the warm Gulf of Mexico waters gently lapping onto the white sand beaches to the west, there truly is a beach for everyone. Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lap
leg
Noun
  • While on the ground, officers fired additional bean bag rounds at Evans, including one that allegedly broke his leg, and twice sent a police dog at him.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Choose from a variety of washes and styles including ankle, skinny, flare, straight, and wide leg, plus a skirt and a jacket accented with fringe detail.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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