noun
wiretap
WEYE-uh-tap
Wiretap (noun) means a hidden device attached to a phone line or communication system to secretly listen in on conversations. Example: “Investigators placed a wiretap on the suspect's home phone.”
noun
1
A hidden device attached to a phone line or communication system to secretly listen in on conversations.
"Investigators placed a wiretap on the suspect's home phone."
"The evidence from the wiretap was later thrown out of court."
verb
1
To secretly monitor someone's phone calls or communications using such a device.
"Federal agents obtained a warrant to wiretap the phone line."
"It is illegal to wiretap someone without proper legal authorization."
How to use wiretap
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSecretly listening in on someone's phone calls, usually with special equipment and (legally) a court order.
Common pairings
place a wiretap
wiretap warrant
illegal wiretap
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Word forms
- Plural
- wiretaps
- Third person singular
- wiretaps
- Past tense
- wiretapped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Investigators placed a _____ on the suspect's home phone.
Etymology
A back-formation from "wiretapper," itself built from wire and tap in the sense of secretly connecting into a line.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “wiretap” mean?
The word “wiretap” means a hidden device attached to a phone line or communication system to secretly listen in on conversations. In plain terms, secretly listening in on someone's phone calls, usually with special equipment and (legally) a court order.
How do you pronounce “wiretap”?
“Wiretap” is pronounced WEYE-uh-tap (/ˈwaɪɚtæp/ in IPA).
How do you use “wiretap” in a sentence?
Here is “wiretap” used in a sentence: “Investigators placed a wiretap on the suspect's home phone.”
What part of speech is “wiretap”?
Depending on how it is used, “wiretap” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “wiretap” have?
“Wiretap” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a hidden device attached to a phone line or communication system to secretly listen in on conversations.
