noun
yap
yap
Yap (noun) means a high-pitched bark from a small dog. Example: “The neighbour's terrier let out a sharp yap every time the doorbell rang.”
noun
1
A high-pitched bark from a small dog.
"The neighbour's terrier let out a sharp yap every time the doorbell rang."
2
Casual, often pointless chatter.
"She tuned out the yap from the next table and got back to her book."
verb
1
To bark in short, high-pitched bursts, said of a small dog.
"The little dog yapped at every car that passed the gate."
2
To talk on and on, especially about nothing important.
"He yapped about his weekend for twenty minutes before anyone could get a word in."
How to use yap
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA quick, sharp bark, or talking too much — usually about small dogs or chatty people.
When to use it
Informal; calling someone's talk "yap" or "yapping" is a bit dismissive.
Common pairings
a little yap
yap on about something
stop yapping
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like yap.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- yaps
- Third person singular
- yaps
- Past tense
- yapped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The neighbour's terrier let out a sharp _____ every time the doorbell rang.
Etymology
Likely imitative of the sound itself, echoing the related word "yelp."
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “yap” mean?
The word “yap” means a high-pitched bark from a small dog. In plain terms, a quick, sharp bark, or talking too much — usually about small dogs or chatty people.
How do you pronounce “yap”?
“Yap” is pronounced yap (/jæp/ in IPA).
How do you use “yap” in a sentence?
Here is “yap” used in a sentence: “The neighbour's terrier let out a sharp yap every time the doorbell rang.”
What part of speech is “yap”?
Depending on how it is used, “yap” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “yap” have?
“Yap” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a high-pitched bark from a small dog.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include yap:
