noun
Uncommon
chap
chap
Chap (noun) means informal British term for a man or fellow. Example: “He seems like a nice chap.”
noun
1
Informal British term for a man or fellow.
"He seems like a nice chap."
"Some poor chap lost his wallet on the train."
"The old chap next door always waves to me in the morning."
verb
1
Of skin, to crack or become rough and sore, usually from cold or dry weather.
"Her lips chapped badly in the winter wind."
"My hands chap every winter unless I use plenty of cream."
"Cold wind can chap your cheeks if you walk far without a scarf."
How to use chap
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA casual British word for "guy" or "bloke", or, as a verb, for skin cracking in the cold.
When to use it
The "fellow" sense is informal and mainly British.
Common pairings
a good chap
chapped lips
chapped skin
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Word forms
- Plural
- chaps
- Third person singular
- chaps
- Past tense
- chapped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He seems like a nice _____.
Etymology
Shortened from chapman, an old word for a travelling trader or dealer.
Related words
Rhymes for chap
See all rhymes for chap →Frequently asked questions
What does “chap” mean?
The word “chap” means informal British term for a man or fellow. In plain terms, a casual British word for "guy" or "bloke", or, as a verb, for skin cracking in the cold.
How do you pronounce “chap”?
“Chap” is pronounced chap (/t͡ʃæp/ in IPA).
How do you use “chap” in a sentence?
Here is “chap” used in a sentence: “He seems like a nice chap.”
What part of speech is “chap”?
Depending on how it is used, “chap” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “chap” a common word?
“Chap” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “chap” have?
“Chap” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: informal British term for a man or fellow.
What is the difference between chap and guy?
Chap and guy both informally refer to a man, but chap is distinctly British in flavor and often carries a slightly old-fashioned or affectionate tone, while guy is common across American and British English alike and feels more neutral. 'A decent chap' has a gentler, more traditional feel than 'a decent guy.'
Is chap used the same way as a verb and a noun?
No, the two senses are unrelated. As a noun, chap informally means a man or fellow, while as a verb, chap describes skin cracking or becoming rough and sore, usually from cold or dry weather, as in 'my lips are chapped.'
Is calling someone a chap considered formal or informal?
Calling someone a chap is informal and colloquial, typically used in casual British English conversation rather than formal writing. It's often used affectionately or in a lighthearted way.
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