noun
Uncommon
bop
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
1
A light, playful hit or tap.
"She gave him a friendly bop on the head with the rolled-up newspaper."
2
A catchy song that makes you want to dance.
"That new single is a total bop."
verb
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- bops
- Third person singular
- bops
- Past tense
- bopped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Related words
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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