red tape

noun

: a series of actions or complicated tasks that seem unnecessary but that a government or organization requires you to do in order to get or do something

Full Definition of RED TAPE

: official routine or procedure marked by excessive complexity which results in delay or inaction

See red tape defined for English-language learners

See red tape defined for kids

Origin of RED TAPE

from the red tape formerly used to bind legal documents in England

First Known Use: 1736

Rhymes with RED TAPE

broomrape, cloudscape, date rape, escape, fox grape, gang rape, great ape, landscape, man ape, moonscape, North Cape, reshape, sea grape, seascape, shipshape, snowscape, streetscape, take shape, townscape, transshape, undrape, waveshape

RED TAPE Defined for Kids

red tape

noun

Definition of RED TAPE for Kids

: rules and regulations that seem unnecessary and prevent things from being done quickly and easily <governmental red tape>

Learn More About RED TAPE

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "red tape"

Nglish: Translation of "red tape" for Spanish speakers

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: red–tapeismPrevious Word in the Dictionary: red tail snapperAll Words Near: red tape

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up red tape? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More