tap

verb
UK: /tæp/
US: /tæp/

  1. To hit something gently and make a sound.

    1. Tap the glass lightly with a spoon. [ ] [ ]
    2. She began to tap her fingers on the table, a sign of impatience. [ ] [ ]

  2. To get or use something from a source.

    1. We can tap into local resources for the project. [ ] [ ]
    2. The company is hoping to tap new markets in Asia this year. [ ] [ ]

  3. To listen to or record a phone call secretly.

    1. The police decided to tap his phone. [ ] [ ]
    2. They suspected someone was trying to tap their conversations. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

faucet knock exploit draw
tap noun

  1. A device that controls the flow of liquid or gas from a pipe or container.

    1. Turn on the tap to wash your hands. [ ] [ ]
    2. The kitchen tap is leaking; we need to fix it soon. [ ] [ ]

  2. A gentle hit or touch.

    1. I felt a tap on my shoulder. [ ] [ ]
    2. He gave the dog a gentle tap on the head. [ ] [ ]
tap transitive-verb

  1. To draw liquid from a container.

    1. They will tap the maple trees for sap. [ ] [ ]
    2. Farmers tap rubber trees to collect latex for production. [ ] [ ]
tap intransitive-verb

  1. To make a series of light hits on something.

    1. He began to tap his foot impatiently. [ ] [ ]
    2. She would tap rhythmically along with the music playing. [ ] [ ]
tap phrasal-verb

  1. To ask someone for money.

    1. I had to tap my parents for a loan. [ ] [ ]
    2. She hates to tap into her savings account. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "tap" in English means: To hit something gently and make a sound., To get or use something from a source., To listen to or record a phone call secretly..

The phonetic transcription of "tap" is /tæp/ in British English and /tæp/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "tap": faucet, knock, exploit, draw.

Example usage of "tap": "Tap the glass lightly with a spoon.". More examples on the page.