tap — to hit something gently, especially making a short sharp sound
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to hit something gently, especially making a short sharp sound
Pronunciation (IPA): /tæp/
Example Sentences
- My teacher taps her pen when she's thinking - it sounds like a woodpecker having a coffee break!
- The company decided to tap into the smartphone market.
- I can't believe I forgot to turn off the tap and flooded my neighbor's apartment - now they call me 'The Human Tsunami'!
tap
VERB[/tæp/]
to hit something gently, especially making a short sharp sound
to hit something gently, especially making a short sharp sound
Tap with your cap, hear the snap!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Middle English 'tappen', originally meaning 'to pierce a hole'. The sense of 'faucet' or 'spigot' developed from the practice of tapping (piercing) a hole in beer barrels to draw out the contents. The word also carries onomatopoetic qualities, imitating the sound of a light strike or knock.
Breakdown
tappen (to pierce, to tap) — a verb form from Middle English with Germanic roots, related to tapping actions both for piercing and making striking sounds.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My teacher taps her pen when she's thinking - it sounds like a woodpecker having a coffee break!”
“The company decided to tap into the smartphone market.”
“I can't believe I forgot to turn off the tap and flooded my neighbor's apartment - now they call me 'The Human Tsunami'!”
“He tapped me on the shoulder to get my attention.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.