lap
lap
Lap (noun) means the flat area formed by the thighs of a seated person. Example: “The toddler climbed onto his grandfather's lap and asked for a story.”
noun
1
The flat area formed by the thighs of a seated person.
"The toddler climbed onto his grandfather's lap and asked for a story."
"The cat curled up on her lap and fell asleep."
"He set the laptop down on his lap to type."
2
One complete circuit of a race track or a length of a swimming pool.
"The runners were exhausted after the tenth lap around the stadium."
"She swam twenty laps before breakfast."
"He set a new record on the final lap of the race."
verb
1
To overtake a competitor by completing an extra full circuit ahead of them.
"If she keeps this pace, she will lap the whole field before the end."
"The winning cyclist lapped several riders who had started the race strongly."
"The lead car lapped the slowest driver twice."
2
Of an animal, to drink liquid using quick movements of the tongue.
"The kitten lapped up the milk from the saucer in seconds."
"A thirsty fox lapped at the stream after its long run."
"The dog lapped water noisily from its bowl."
3
Of waves or water, to strike a surface gently and repeatedly.
"We listened to the lake lapping against the wooden jetty all night."
"Gentle water lapped over her toes as she stood on the shore."
"Small waves lapped against the side of the boat."
How to use lap
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe top of your legs when sitting, one circuit of a track/pool, or (as a verb) to drink with the tongue or splash gently.
Common pairings
sit on someone's lap
run a lap
lap up water
waves lapping the shore
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Word forms
- Plural
- laps
- Third person singular
- laps
- Past tense
- lapped, lapt
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The toddler climbed onto his grandfather's _____ and asked for a story.
Etymology
From Old English læppa, "skirt or flap of a garment," related to a Germanic root for cloth or a hanging piece.
Related words
Rhymes for lap
See all rhymes for lap →Frequently asked questions
What does “lap” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “lap”?
“Lap” is pronounced lap (/læp/ in IPA).
How do you use “lap” in a sentence?
Here is “lap” used in a sentence: “The cat curled up on her lap and fell asleep.”
What part of speech is “lap”?
Depending on how it is used, “lap” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “lap” come from?
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.
Is “lap” a common word?
“Lap” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “lap” have?
“Lap” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the flat area formed by the thighs of a seated person.
What is the difference between a "lap" and a "loop"?
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.
What is the difference between a "lap" and a "length" in swimming?
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.
What are common phrases that use "lap"?
"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.
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