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Definition of "tap" []

  • To strike gently with a light blow or blows: I tapped you on the shoulder to get your attention. (verb-transitive)
  • To give a light rap with: tap a pencil. (verb-transitive)
  • To produce with a succession of light blows: tap out a rhythm. (verb-transitive)
  • To select, as for membership in an organization; designate. See Synonyms at appoint. (verb-transitive)
  • To repair (shoe heels or toes) by applying a thin layer of leather or a substitute material. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "tap" in a sentence
  • "The high hat on the drums started pulsing. * tap tap tap tap* Bursting from within the amp came the familiar opening ring of "Listen to Her Heart.""
  • "At the head of each procession walked an Indian beating a drum, _tap, tap, tap_, without a vestige of time."
  • "By and by she heard another little _tap, tap, tap_ on the window-pane."