tap
tap
Tap (noun) means a fitting on a pipe or container that controls the flow of a liquid or gas. Example: “Don't forget to turn off the tap after you brush your teeth.”
noun
1
A fitting on a pipe or container that controls the flow of a liquid or gas.
"Don't forget to turn off the tap after you brush your teeth."
"The bath tap is dripping again, so we need to call a plumber."
"She turned on the kitchen tap to fill the kettle."
verb
1
To hit something lightly and briefly, often to get attention or make contact.
"She tapped the table with her pencil while she waited for an answer."
"He tapped her on the shoulder to say hello."
"Just tap the icon on your screen to open the app."
2
To secretly connect a device to a phone line or communication channel in order to listen in.
"The police were given permission to tap the suspect's phone line."
"Someone had tapped the line, so they only spoke in code."
"Investigators tapped his phone as part of the fraud inquiry."
3
To draw on or make use of a resource, often one that was previously unused.
"Farmers are tapping underground water to irrigate their dry fields."
"The charity hopes to tap the skills of retired teachers in the town."
"The company tapped into a new market overseas."
How to use tap
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA valve for water or drink, a light touch or hit, or to secretly monitor a phone line, among several other senses.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
turn on the tap
tap someone's phone
tap into resources
tap the screen
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- taps
- Past tense
- tapped
- Archaic forms
- tappest, tappedst, tappeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Don't forget to turn off the _____ after you brush your teeth.
Etymology
From Old English tæppa, referring to a stopper or plug used to control liquid flowing from a container — the same root that gives us "tapster", someone who draws drinks from a barrel.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “tap” mean?
The word “tap” means a fitting on a pipe or container that controls the flow of a liquid or gas. In plain terms, a valve for water or drink, a light touch or hit, or to secretly monitor a phone line, among several other senses.
How do you pronounce “tap”?
“Tap” is pronounced tap (/tæp/ in IPA).
How do you use “tap” in a sentence?
Here is “tap” used in a sentence: “She turned on the kitchen tap to fill the kettle.”
What is another word for “tap”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tap” include clap, knock, pat, ping, plip and plonk.
What is the opposite of “tap”?
The opposite of “tap” — its antonyms — is humming.
What part of speech is “tap”?
Depending on how it is used, “tap” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “tap” come from?
The word “tap” comes from Old English. From Old English tæppa, referring to a stopper or plug used to control liquid flowing from a container — the same root that gives us "tapster", someone who draws drinks from a barrel.
Is “tap” a common word?
“Tap” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between a tap and a faucet?
A tap and a faucet are the same fitting that controls the flow of a liquid or gas from a pipe or container. 'Tap' is the standard term in British English, while 'faucet' is more common in American English, where 'tap' still appears in phrases like 'tap water'.
What is the difference between 'tap' and 'knock'?
Both mean to hit something lightly, but a tap is gentler and quicker, often just to get attention or make brief contact. A knock is firmer and louder, typically used for striking a door so someone hears it.
What are common collocations with the verb 'tap'?
The verb 'tap' frequently pairs with words like 'tap someone on the shoulder,' 'tap your foot,' 'tap the screen,' and 'tap lightly.' These phrases all describe a light, brief contact meant to get attention or make a connection.
Is 'tap' formal or informal?
'Tap' is a neutral, everyday word suitable for both formal and informal writing in both its noun and verb senses. It carries no slang connotation on its own, though it appears in casual expressions like 'on tap.'
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