noun Uncommon

bop

Bop (noun) means a light, playful hit or tap. Example: “She gave him a friendly bop on the head with the rolled-up newspaper.”

noun

A light, playful hit or tap.

"She gave him a friendly bop on the head with the rolled-up newspaper."

A catchy song that makes you want to dance.

"That new single is a total bop."

verb

To dance casually to music with a strong beat.

"They were bopping along to the music at the back of the room."

How to use bop

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA light tap, a casual dance move, or (slang) a really catchy song.

When to use it

The "catchy song" sense is current slang, common on social media.

Common pairings

bop someone on the head bop along a total bop

Word forms

bopped past tense, bopped past tense, bopped past tense, bops plural, bops plural, bops plural, bops singular, bops singular, bops singular

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She gave him a friendly _____ on the head with the rolled-up newspaper.

Etymology

An imitative word, echoing the sound of a light tap or bounce.

Synonyms

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bash sock bonk bebop whop whap

Related words

party hit attack bed throw knock punch hammer

Frequently asked questions

What does “bop” mean?

The word “bop” means a light, playful hit or tap. In plain terms, a light tap, a casual dance move, or (slang) a really catchy song.

How do you pronounce “bop”?

“Bop” is pronounced bop (/bɑp/ in IPA).

How do you use “bop” in a sentence?

Here is “bop” used in a sentence: “She gave him a friendly bop on the head with the rolled-up newspaper.”

What part of speech is “bop”?

Depending on how it is used, “bop” can be a noun and a verb.

Is “bop” a common word?

“Bop” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “bop” have?

“Bop” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a light, playful hit or tap.

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