First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1tap
noun \ˈtap\
Definition of TAP
1
2
a : a liquor drawn through a tap b : the procedure of removing fluid (as from a body cavity)
3
: a tool for forming an internal screw thread
4
: an intermediate point in an electric circuit where a connection may be made
5
: wiretap
— on tap
1
: ready to be drawn from a large container (as a cask or keg) <ale on tap>
2
: broached or furnished with a tap
3
: on hand : available <services instantly on tap — Hugh Dwan>
4
: coming up <other matches on tap — H. W. Wind>
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Origin of TAP
Middle English tappe, from Old English tæppa; akin to Old High German zapho tap
Other Alcoholic Beverage Terms
2tap
transitive verb
tappedtap·ping
Definition of TAP
1
: to let out or cause to flow by piercing or by drawing a plug from the containing vessel <tap wine from a cask>
2
a : to pierce so as to let out or draw off a fluid <tap maple trees> b : to draw out, from, or upon <tap new sources of revenue> <the story taps powerful emotions>
3
: to cut in on (as a telephone or radio signal) to get information
4
: to form an internal screw thread in by means of a tap
5
: to get money from as a loan or gift
6
: to connect (a street gas or water main) with a local supply
— tap·per noun
— tap into
: to make a strong or advantageous connection with <trying to tap into a new market>
First Known Use of TAP
15th century
3tap
verb
tappedtap·ping
Definition of TAP
transitive verb
1
: to strike lightly especially with a slight sound
2
: to give a light blow with <tap a pencil on the table>
3
: to bring about by repeated light blows <tap out a story on the typewriter>
4
: to repair by putting a tap on
5
intransitive verb
1
: to strike a light audible blow : rap
2
: to walk with light audible steps
Origin of TAP
Middle English tappen, from Old French taper to strike with the flat of the hand, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle High German tāpe paw, blow dealt with the paw
First Known Use: 13th century
4tap
noun
Definition of TAP
1
a : a light usually audible blow; also : its sound b : one of several usually rapid drumbeats on a snare drum
2
3
: a small metal plate for the sole or heel of a shoe
4
: tap dance 1
5
: flap 7
First Known Use of TAP
14th century
TAP Defined for Kids
1tap
verb \ˈtap\
tappedtap·ping
Definition of TAP for Kids
: to hit lightly
— tap·per noun
2tap
noun
Definition of TAP for Kids
: a light blow or its sound <There was a tap at the window.>
3tap
noun
4tap
verb
tappedtap·ping
Definition of TAP for Kids
1
: to let out or cause to flow by making a hole or by pulling out a plug <He tapped water from a barrel.>
2
: to make a hole in to draw off a liquid <We tap maple trees for sap.>
3
: to draw from or upon <I tapped the last of my savings.>
4
: to connect into (a telephone wire) to listen secretly
— tap·per noun
Learn More About TAP
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