Tap Meaning and Definition
Tap
Pronunciation
/tæp/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A faucet or valve for controlling the flow of a liquid, such as water or beer, from a pipe or container.
Examples
- Turn on the tap to wash your hands.
- The bartender pulled the tap to pour a perfect pint.
Synonyms
- Faucet
- Valve
Antonyms
- None
Additional Information
Taps are commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, and bars, where they provide a convenient way to access flowing water or other liquids. They can be operated manually or electronically, and come in a variety of styles and materials.
In addition to controlling liquid flow, taps can also be used as a verb, meaning to draw or extract a liquid from a container or pipe. For example, “tap a keg” or “tap a maple tree for syrup”.
Etymology
The word “tap” comes from the Old English word “tæpp”, meaning “stopper” or “plug”. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include the concept of controlling the flow of a liquid.
Usage Notes
In British English, “tap” often refers specifically to a faucet for controlling water flow, while in American English, it can refer to any type of valve or faucet. In both contexts, “tap” can be used as a verb or noun.
Cultural References
The concept of tapping has appeared in popular culture in various forms, such as the iconic “tap dance” style of performance, or the phrase “tap into” something, meaning to access or utilize a resource.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Tap into: access or utilize a resource
- Tap out: exhaust or deplete a resource
Related Words or Phrases
- Faucet
- Valve
- Spigot
Collocations
- Turn on the tap
- Turn off the tap
- Fix the tap
Frequency of Use
The word “tap” is a relatively common word in modern language, with a frequency of use in the top 10% of all words.
Common Misspellings
- Tapd
- Tapp
- Taps (plural form)