Nap Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈnæp/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A short period of sleep, especially during the day.

Examples

I’m going to take a nap after lunch.
The baby took a nap in the stroller.

Synonyms

Snooze
Slumber

Antonyms

Wakefulness
Alertness

Additional Information

Naps can be beneficial for physical and mental health, improving cognitive function, memory, and mood. They can also help to combat fatigue and increase productivity. Napping can be especially helpful for individuals who are sleep-deprived or have irregular sleep schedules.

In many cultures, napping is a common practice, especially after meals. For example, in Spain, the siesta is a traditional mid-day nap, while in Greece, the afternoon nap is a common habit.

Etymology

The word “nap” originates from the Old English word “hnæp”, meaning “to sleep lightly”. It is related to the Old Norse word “nappa”, meaning “to slumber”.

Usage Notes

The term “nap” can be used in various contexts, such as describing a short sleep, a brief period of rest, or a light doze.

Cultural References

The concept of napping has been featured in popular culture, such as in the TV show “Friends”, where the character Joey Tribbiani often takes long naps.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Catch a few winks
Snooze and cruise

Related Words or Phrases

Snooze
Sleep
Rest

Collocations

Take a nap
Have a snooze
Catch a nap

Frequency of Use

The word “nap” is commonly used in everyday conversation, with an estimated frequency of use in spoken language of around 1.5 per 100,000 words.