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
There’s been more deals falling through than falling into their laps. Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026 The 32-year-old Arizona native underwent two days of medical evaluation this week and drove laps Thursday in a streetcar at the Ten Tenths Motor Club road course in Concord, North Carolina, before he was ruled out of competition. ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026 This longstanding tradition is not about doing laps, but more so a warm soak and a daily chat. Lauren Breedlove, Outside, 3 Mar. 2026 Van Gisbergen was on his bumper for several laps in the final stage, but never found the pace to pass before falling farther and farther behind over the final six laps. Jim Vertuno, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026 The justices sat stone-faced, their hands in their laps. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026 Kids 2 and under must sit on laps only. Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 24 Feb. 2026 Way ahead in the mass start, the sport's final event at the Milan Cortina Games, was 40-year-old Jorrit Bergsma, who joined another skater in pulling away from the pack with several laps to go. CBS News, 21 Feb. 2026 The 16 laps are split into four intervals, marked by a sprint every four laps. Nbc News, NBC news, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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 The first laps on track mark a historic milestone; the culmination of thousands of hours of work, driven by pure passion. Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laps
legs
Noun
  • This anti-chafing stick from MegaBabe is my go-to to prevent soreness in the inner thigh area, where legs tend to rub together.
    Terri Peters, Parents, 6 Mar. 2026
  • There, Stacey Wondra, along with the two roommates, taped his hands, legs and mouth, and put him in a duffel bag.
    Alex Brizee March 5, Idaho Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Laps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laps. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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