wiretap
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.”
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.
Word forms
wiretapped past tense, wiretaps plural, wiretaps singular
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
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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.