noun A2 Elementary Common

rap

Rap (noun) means a rhythmic style of music where lyrics are spoken quickly, usually over a beat. Example: “He's been writing rap lyrics since he was a teenager.”

noun

A rhythmic style of music where lyrics are spoken quickly, usually over a beat.

"He's been writing rap lyrics since he was a teenager."

"The album blends rap with soul influences."

A quick, sharp knock or blow.

"There was a rap at the door just after midnight."

"She gave the table a sharp rap to get everyone's attention."

Informal: blame, especially for a crime.

"He took the rap for something he didn't do."

"She refused to take the rap on his behalf."

verb

To perform in the style of rap music.

"He can rap an entire verse without taking a breath."

"The kids loved rapping along to their favourite songs."

To hit something quickly and sharply.

"She rapped on the window to get his attention."

"He rapped his knuckles against the door."

How to use rap

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA style of rhythmic spoken music, or a sharp knock; informally, to take blame for something.

Common pairings

rap music take the rap a rap on the door rap artist

Word forms

rapped past tense, rapped past tense, rapt past tense, rapped past tense, raps plural, raps plural, raps plural, raps singular, raps singular, raps singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “rap” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He's been writing _____ lyrics since he was a teenager.

Etymology

From Middle English rap, rappe, of North Germanic origin, related to Norwegian rapp (“a blow, strike, lash”), Swedish rapp (“a blow, lash, crack”), Danish rap (“a tap, smart, blow”). Compare Old English hreppan (“to touch, treat”). More at rape.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

View more →

hip-hop rhyme knock tap bang rat-a-tat

Related words

hit bed charge impact touch click pop strike

Rhymes for rap

crap trap wrap strap scrap

See all rhymes for rap →

Frequently asked questions

What does “rap” mean?

The word “rap” means a rhythmic style of music where lyrics are spoken quickly, usually over a beat. In plain terms, a style of rhythmic spoken music, or a sharp knock; informally, to take blame for something.

How do you pronounce “rap”?

“Rap” is pronounced rap (/ɹæp/ in IPA).

How do you use “rap” in a sentence?

Here is “rap” used in a sentence: “He's been writing rap lyrics since he was a teenager.”

What part of speech is “rap”?

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

Is “rap” a common word?

“Rap” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

How many meanings does “rap” have?

“Rap” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a rhythmic style of music where lyrics are spoken quickly, usually over a beat.

What is the difference between rap and hip-hop?

Rap is the vocal style in which lyrics are spoken quickly and rhythmically over a beat. Hip-hop is the broader culture and music genre that includes rap along with elements like DJing, so rap is one part of hip-hop.

Is it 'bad rap' or 'bad rep'?

The standard idiom is 'bad rap,' meaning unfair blame or a poor reputation. 'Bad rep' is a common variation, since 'rep' is short for reputation, but 'bad rap' is the traditional and widely accepted form.

What is the difference between 'rap' and 'wrap'?

Rap and wrap sound alike but differ in meaning. Rap is a music style or a sharp knock, while wrap means to cover or enclose something, as in wrapping a gift.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include rap:

3 letter words Words that end with P Words that start with R

People also searched

hit bed charge impact touch click pop strike