WordGarden.iotap
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈæp/
US
- /ˈtæp/
Meanings
Verb
to touch a screen or digital control briefly to select or activate something
to touch or strike lightly, often with the fingers or hand
to draw on or gain access to a resource, supply, or market
Noun
a fixture or valve that controls the flow of water or another liquid
a light touch, knock, or brief striking sound
a style of dance using rhythmic strikes of the shoes against the floor
Beyond the definition
A tap can be a light touch, like when you tap someone on the shoulder to get their attention. But it is more than just a physical touch. You can tap into resources by using your skills, knowledge, or even extra energy when you need it. You tap a keg so a drink can be poured, and you tap a screen on your phone to open apps or move through menus. It also works as a noun; in many places, the thing that lets water flow from a sink is called a tap rather than a faucet. So this small, quick action can connect to many parts of daily life.
The word "tap" is surprisingly flexible. At its core, to tap means to strike or touch something lightly, often in a quick or repeated way. Think of tapping your foot to the beat of a song or tapping a pencil against your chin while thinking. The action is usually gentle, but it is still clear and deliberate.
Beyond physical touch, "tap" can also mean getting access to a source. You might tap into your creativity during a brainstorming session or tap into a new market in business. In another common use, to tap a keg or barrel means to open it so the liquid inside can flow out. A related noun meaning appears in plumbing, where a tap is the valve or faucet that controls the flow of water.
The word has also adapted easily to the modern world; we now tap icons and buttons on touchscreens to interact with technology. It even has a more secretive side: in the world of surveillance, to tap a phone line means to listen to conversations in secret. In technical work, a tap can also be a tool used for cutting internal threads in metal or other material. Whether you are getting a glass of water, using a hidden source, or keeping time with your foot, "tap" points to a small action that often opens the way to something else.
Examples
- 1
Physical contact
She tapped me on the shoulder and pointed to the door.
- 2
Phone screen
Tap the icon at the bottom of the screen to open the menu.
- 3
Nervous habit
He kept tapping his fingers on the desk while he waited.
- 4
Light knock
I heard a tap at the window but didn't see anyone there.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
British faucet
Can you turn off the kitchen tap? It's dripping.
- Usagetap
faucet, especially in British English
- 6
Drinking water
We usually drink tap water at home.
- 7
Business opportunity
The company is trying to tap into the growing market for online courses.
- Patterntap into + resource/opportunity
make use of it
- 8
Savings
She had to tap into her savings to pay for the repairs.
- Patterntap into + money/resources
start using them
- 9
Beer service
The pub has several local beers on tap.
- Phraseon tap
available from a barrel, not from a bottle or can
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- tapnounverb
Forms
- tapping-ing formverbnoun
- tappedpast tenseverbnoun
- tapspluralnounverb