tap¹ (tăp)

v., tapped, tap·ping, taps.

v.tr.

1. To strike gently with a light blow or blows: I tapped you on the shoulder to get your attention.
2. To give a light rap with: tap a pencil.
3. To produce with a succession of light blows: tap out a rhythm.
4. To select, as for membership in an organization; designate. See synonyms at appoint.
5. 1. To repair (shoe heels or toes) by applying a thin layer of leather or a substitute material.
   2. To attach metal plates to (shoe toes or heels).

v.intr.

1. To deliver a gentle, light blow or blows.
2. To walk making light clicks.

n.

1. 1. A gentle blow.
   2. The sound made by such a blow.
2. 1. A thin layer of leather or a substitute applied to a worn-down shoe heel or toe.
   2. A metal plate attached to the toe or heel of a shoe, as for tap-dancing.
3. Linguistics. See flap (sense 8).

[Middle English tappen, possibly from Old French taper.]

tap² (tăp)
n.

1. A valve and spout used to regulate delivery of a fluid at the end of a pipe.
2. A plug for a bunghole; a spigot.
3. 1. Liquor drawn from a spigot.
   2. Liquor of a particular brew, cask, or quality.
4. Medicine. The removal of fluid from a body cavity: a spinal tap.
5. A tool for cutting an internal screw thread.
6. A makeshift terminal in an electric circuit.
7. A wiretap.

tr.v., tapped, tap·ping, taps.

1. To furnish with a spigot or tap.
2. To pierce in order to draw off liquid: tap a maple tree.
3. To draw (liquid) from a vessel or container: tap a new keg of beer.
4. Medicine. To withdraw fluid from (a body cavity).
5. To make a physical connection with or open outlets from: tap a water main.
6. 1. To wiretap (a telephone).
   2. To establish an electric connection in (a power line), as to divert current secretly.
7. To establish access to or a connection with: tapped a new market for inexpensive books.
8. To take advantage of; make use of: tapped voter anger to win the election.
9. To cut screw threads in (a collar, socket, or other fitting).
10. Informal. To ask (a person) for money.

phrasal verb:

tap into

1. To establish a connection with; have access to: tapped into a new market for their products.
2. To take advantage of: tapped into their enthusiasm to improve the school.

idiom:

on tap

1. Ready to be drawn; in a tapped cask: beer on tap.
2. Available for immediate use; ready: extra personnel on tap.

[Middle English tappe, from Old English tæppa.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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