First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1nap
verb \ˈnap\
nappednap·ping
Definition of NAP
intransitive verb
1
: to sleep briefly especially during the day : doze
2
: to be off guard
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Origin of NAP
Middle English nappen, from Old English hnappian; akin to Old High German hnaffezen to doze
2nap
noun
Definition of NAP
: a short sleep especially during the day : snooze
First Known Use of NAP
14th century
3nap
noun
Definition of NAP
: a hairy or downy surface (as on a fabric)
— nap·less \-ləs\ adjective
— napped \ˈnapt\ adjective
Origin of NAP
Middle English noppe, from Middle Dutch, flock of wool, nap
First Known Use: 15th century
4nap
verb
nappednap·ping
Definition of NAP
transitive verb
: to raise a nap on (fabric or leather)
First Known Use of NAP
1620
5nap
noun
Definition of NAP
British : a pick or recommendation as a good bet to win a contest (as a horse race); also : one named in a nap
Origin of NAP
from to go nap (to make all the points in the card game Napoleon)
First Known Use: 1895
6nap
verb
nappednap·ping
Definition of NAP
transitive verb
British : to pick or single out in a nap
First Known Use of NAP
1927
NAP Defined for Kids
1nap
noun \ˈnap\
Definition of NAP for Kids
: a short sleep especially during the day
2nap
verb
nappednap·ping
Definition of NAP for Kids
1
: to sleep briefly especially during the day
2
: to be unprepared <When the ball came to her, she was caught napping.>
3nap
noun
Definition of NAP for Kids
: a hairy or fluffy surface (as on cloth)
Learn More About NAP
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