Tap Definition & Meaning
tap
- noun
- the sound made by a gentle blow
- a gentle blow
- a faucet for drawing water from a pipe or cask
- a small metal plate that attaches to the toe or heel of a shoe (as in tap dancing)
- a tool for cutting female (internal) screw threads
- a plug for a bunghole in a cask
- the act of tapping a telephone or telegraph line to get information
- a light touch or stroke
- verb
- cut a female screw thread with a tap
- draw from or dip into to get something; "tap one's memory"; "tap a source of money"
- strike lightly; "He tapped me on the shoulder"
- draw from; make good use of; "we must exploit the resources we are given wisely"
- tap a telephone or telegraph wire to get information; "The FBI was tapping the phone line of the suspected spy"; "Is this hotel room bugged?"
- furnish with a tap or spout, so as to be able to draw liquid from it; "tap a cask of wine"
- make light, repeated taps on a surface; "he was tapping his fingers on the table impatiently"
- walk with a tapping sound
- dance and make rhythmic clicking sounds by means of metal plates nailed to the sole of the dance shoes; "Glover tapdances better than anybody"
- draw (liquor) from a tap; "tap beer in a bar"
- pierce in order to draw a liquid from; "tap a maple tree for its syrup"; "tap a keg of beer"
- make a solicitation or entreaty for something; request urgently or persistently; "Henry IV solicited the Pope for a divorce"; "My neighbor keeps soliciting money for different charities"
"Tap" in song lyrics
See how tap is used in real songs:
-
"With the fact that I've sipped the dripping sap tap"
Aesop Rock — Hold the Cup -
"Walkin' the wire between firewater and water - I'll take the tap"
Aesop Rock — Skip Town -
"Win a baller with a two hand tap"
Ahmad — Homeboys First
Words that rhyme with tap
Usage tips for "tap"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "tap" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for tap to find words that pair well.