nap 1 of 3

Definition of napnext
as in wink
a short sleep so tired that she needed to take a refreshing nap before soccer practice

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nap

2 of 3

noun (2)

as in fur
a soft airy substance or covering high-quality suede has a good, even nap

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nap

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to relax
to sleep lightly or briefly decided to let the kids nap for a few more minutes before waking them

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2
as in to sleep
to be in a state of sleep I'm just going to nap the entire afternoon

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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 nap
Noun
The dogs tried to curl up wherever possible to take short naps. Delbert L. Chears, Outdoor Life, 5 Mar. 2026 The tarp gets pulled off the lawnmower — the one tucked carefully into the corner of the garage last fall for a long winter’s nap. Mark Glende, Twin Cities, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
My colleagues’ and my own research show the health and performance benefits of napping during night shift work. P. Daniel Patterson, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2026 In turbulent political times, stability comes with four legs, whiskers and a fondness for napping. Jill Lawless, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nap
Verb
  • Instead, use this energy to socialize, relax and explore your creative talents.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026
  • In her free time, Laurie is always looking for new places to relax and recharge in Southern California's beautiful outdoors.
    CBS LA Staff, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Some cities have also moved to enable police to fine or arrest people sleeping on the streets.
    Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
  • While collagen production naturally slows down for women in their mid-20s, the steep drop starts once a woman begins experiencing the symptoms of perimenopause, like hot flashes, sleep disruption, and irregular periods.
    Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • His work centers on structure, balance, and durability, helping ensure that treatment plans rest on sound clinical principles.
    Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
  • However, part of the DOJ’s case rested on the bundling of sports and concert tickets, as well as the alleged requirement that primary ticket sellers for major concert venues provide support for the distribution of a team’s season tickets.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • One of the men set fire to the slumbering victim’s clothes, causing a small blaze, police said.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The world's largest acidic geyser has begun erupting again in Yellowstone after slumbering for over five years, the national park said Monday.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Clear, blue skies and tolerable temperatures are enveloping the Pharmalot campus this morning, where the official mascots are snoozing here and there after hunting for breakfast and keeping neighbors at bay.
    Ed Silverman, STAT, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Another medium-firm option that will deliver crucial neck support is Casper’s original pillow, which is great for all types of sleepers like our contributor Madeleine Luckel, who snoozes on both of her sides, her back, and stomach.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Babies and young children attend events into the wee hours of the night, often falling asleep in someone’s arms or dozing across several chairs.
    Katrina Donham, Parents, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Not worrying about these wakeups could make all the difference in dozing back off easily.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 24 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Nap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nap. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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