slap
slap
Slap (noun) means a quick blow with the open hand. Example: “The child got a slap on the hand for touching the hot oven.”
noun
1
A quick blow with the open hand.
"The child got a slap on the hand for touching the hot oven."
"A sharp slap echoed through the room, and everyone fell silent."
"She gave him a slap across the face for the insult."
verb
1
To hit someone or something with an open hand.
"The goalkeeper slapped the ball away just before it crossed the line."
"He slapped the mosquito on his arm."
"She slapped him for the remark and walked out."
2
To put something down carelessly or quickly.
"She slapped the sandwich together and ran out of the door."
"Don't just slap your books on the table; put them away properly."
"He slapped a coat of paint on the fence without prepping it."
3
To impose a penalty or charge on someone.
"The council slapped a ban on parking outside the school gates."
"Customs officers slapped extra charges on the parcel when it arrived."
"The city slapped a heavy fine on the company for the spill."
How to use slap
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sharp open-handed hit, or by extension, to do something quickly and carelessly or to impose something (like a fine) abruptly.
Common pairings
slap someone
slap a fine on
slap on some paint
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Word forms
- Plural
- slaps
- Third person singular
- slaps
- Past tense
- slapped
- Comparative
- more slap
- Superlative
- most slap
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The child got a _____ on the hand for touching the hot oven.
Etymology
From Middle English slappen, probably imitative of the sound itself.
Related words
Rhymes for slap
See all rhymes for slap →Frequently asked questions
What does “slap” mean?
The word “slap” means a quick blow with the open hand. In plain terms, a sharp open-handed hit, or by extension, to do something quickly and carelessly or to impose something (like a fine) abruptly.
How do you pronounce “slap”?
“Slap” is pronounced slap (/slæp/ in IPA).
How do you use “slap” in a sentence?
Here is “slap” used in a sentence: “She gave him a slap across the face for the insult.”
What part of speech is “slap”?
Depending on how it is used, “slap” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “slap” come from?
The word “slap” comes from Middle English. From Middle English slappen, probably imitative of the sound itself.
Is “slap” a common word?
“Slap” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “slap” have?
“Slap” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a quick blow with the open hand.
What is the difference between "slap" and "smack"?
Both mean a sharp blow, but a "slap" specifically uses the open, flat hand, while a "smack" can be delivered with the hand or a flat object. In British English, "smack" is also commonly used for striking a child as punishment.
What is the difference between a "slap" and a "punch"?
A "slap" is struck with the open, flat hand, while a "punch" is delivered with a closed fist. A punch is generally more forceful and intended to injure, whereas a slap is more often used to sting, shock, or insult.
How is "slap" used in phrases like "slapped with a fine"?
In this use, "slap" means to impose a penalty, charge, or restriction on someone, as in being "slapped with a fine" or "slapped with a lawsuit." It suggests the penalty is imposed suddenly and without the person's agreement.
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