First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1rap
noun \ˈrap\
Definition of RAP
1
: a sharp blow or knock
2
a : a sharp rebuke or criticism b : a negative and often undeserved reputation or charge —often used with bum or bad <given a bum rap by the press>
3
a : the responsibility for or adverse consequences of an action <refused to take the rap> b : a criminal charge c : a prison sentence
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Origin of RAP
Middle English rappe
2rap
verb
rappedrap·ping
Definition of RAP
transitive verb
1
: to strike with a sharp blow
2
: to utter suddenly and forcibly
3
: to cause to be or come by raps <rap the meeting to order>
4
: to criticize sharply
intransitive verb
1
: to strike a quick sharp blow
2
: to make a short sharp sound
First Known Use of RAP
14th century
3rap
verb
rapped also rapt \ˈrapt\ rap·ping
Definition of RAP
transitive verb
1
: to snatch away or upward
2
Origin of RAP
back-formation from rapt
First Known Use: 1599
4rap
noun
Definition of RAP
: a minimum amount or degree (as of care or consideration) : the least bit <doesn't care a rap>
Origin of RAP
perhaps from 1rap
First Known Use: 1834
5rap
verb
rappedrap·ping
Definition of RAP
intransitive verb
1
: to talk freely and frankly
2
: to perform rap music
Origin of RAP
perhaps from 1rap
First Known Use: 1929
6rap
noun
Definition of RAP
1
: talk, conversation; also : a line of talk : patter
2
a : a rhythmic chanting often in unison of usually rhymed couplets to a musical accompaniment b : a piece so performed
First Known Use of RAP
1967
RAP Defined for Kids
1rap
verb \ˈrap\
rappedrap·ping
Definition of RAP for Kids
: to give a quick sharp blow
2rap
noun
Definition of RAP for Kids
1
: a sharp blow or knock
2
: the blame or punishment for something <You did it, so you take the rap.>
3rap
verb
rappedrap·ping
Definition of RAP for Kids
1
: to talk freely and informally
2
: to perform rap music
4rap
noun
Definition of RAP for Kids
1
: an informal talk : chat
2
: a type of music that usually has a fast rhythm and in which words are spoken instead of sung
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