lap

The word “lap” means the flat area formed by the thighs of a seated person. In plain terms, the top of your legs when sitting, one circuit of a track/pool, or (as a verb) to drink with the tongue or splash gently.

“Lap” is pronounced lap (/læp/ in IPA).

Here is “lap” used in a sentence: “The cat curled up on her lap and fell asleep.”

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

The word “lap” comes from Old English. From Old English læppa, "skirt or flap of a garment," related to a Germanic root for cloth or a hanging piece.

“Lap” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Lap” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the flat area formed by the thighs of a seated person.

In racing, a "lap" is one complete circuit of a fixed course, counted from and back to the same point, while a "loop" is any closed route that returns to its start. A race is measured in laps; a hiking trail might be described as a loop.

Usage varies, but a "length" is generally one trip from one end of the pool to the other, while a "lap" is sometimes counted as there and back. Many pools and coaches, however, use "lap" and "length" interchangeably for a single pool length.

"Lap" appears in "sit on someone's lap," "lap of honour" (a celebratory circuit after winning), "lap up" (to enjoy eagerly), and "in the lap of luxury." The word shifts between the seated-body meaning and the circuit meaning depending on context.