laps 1 of 3

Definition of lapsnext
plural of lap
as in legs
a portion of a trip we were on the last lap of the journey, eagerly heading for home

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laps

2 of 3

verb (1)

present tense third-person singular of lap
1
as in washes
to flow along or against the waves gently lapped the sandy shore

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2
3
as in ripples
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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laps

3 of 3

verb (2)

present tense third-person singular of lap

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 laps
Noun
Around them, a dozen children sunk into their parents’ laps — giggling, wriggling and delighted by the story. Jessica Ma, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026 This could look like slowing your run to a slow jog or walk or taking a break at the side of the pool in between laps. Jenny McCoy, SELF, 26 Mar. 2026 Blub, for his part, likely carried on swimming without a care in the world — unaware that his laps around a small tank had just made international headlines. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026 To do so, Reddick had to overcome a malfunctioning battery and a large deficit in the final 50 laps. Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026 But the Roush Fenway Keselowski driver made his final pit stop four laps earlier than Reddick, who made the most of fresher rubber to erase a seven-second gap and complete the winning pass on the 266th of 293 laps. ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026 Among his favorite methods of doing so are sitting in audience members’ laps, singing along to ’80s hits, clutching a giant prop baby bottle and doing pistol squats. Theater Critic, San Francisco Chronicle, 22 Mar. 2026 But for most teams and leagues, the real challenge sits on various laps earlier in the process. Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 21 Mar. 2026 Multiple laps can easily turn into hours. Tim Neville, Outside, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
The sparkling Colorado River now laps at the Glen Canyon walls about 180 feet below, completely invisible from a dock that once floated atop the water. Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026 Sorry, dudes, the ladies ran laps around you tonight. José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 2 Mar. 2026 A couple of us swim laps in an outdoor pool, no matter the weather. Lisa Jhung, Outside, 24 Feb. 2026 Reddick fell two laps down for repairs but came roaring back from 27th for his 10th career victory. CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026 Expect countless laps around the 45-meter saltwater stretch, always heated to a comfortable temperature and lined with more loungers than hotel guests. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026 The main beach, where clear water laps golden sand and palm trees, still bears her name. Elena Clavarino, Air Mail, 14 Feb. 2026 Running laps around luxury Hechter wasn’t imagining a Gen Z takeover of her hometown race. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026 Standing up from the couch several times, marching in place during TV breaks or walking laps around your living space can gently raise your heart rate, according to Mount Sinai Health System. Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laps
legs
Noun
  • Both of her hands had been severed from her body and one of her legs was cut off, the documents said.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The front legs are shorter, with feet having only three toes.
    Beth Reese Cravey, Florida Times-Union, 26 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Laps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laps. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

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