Definition of tap - Reverso English Dictionary
Verb
1.
light hittr./intr. hit something lightly and quicklytr./intr.
- She tapped the table with her pen.
2.
resourcestr. access and use a resource or opportunitytr.
- The company tapped into new markets.
3.
assistancetr. ask someone for money or helptr.
- He tapped his friend for a loan.
4.
soundintr. make a regular sound by hitting lightlyintr.
- He tapped his foot to the music.
5.
liquidtr. draw liquid from a sourcetr.
- They tapped the maple tree for syrup.
6.
secret listentr. secretly listen to a conversationtr.
- The police tapped the suspect's phone.
7.
engineeringtr. TECH. cut a female screw threadtr. TECH.
- He tapped the hole for the bolt.
Noun
1.
fluid controlUK device controlling fluid flow from a pipeUK
- Turn the tap to stop the water.
2.
gentle touchgentle blow or stroke
- He gave the door a tap to close it.
3.
espionageTECH. UK concealed listening device for communicationTECH. UK
- The police placed a tap on his phone.
4.
dance shoeTECH. metal plate attached to a dancer's shoe to make rhythmic soundsTECH.
- The tap on her shoe clicked rhythmically.
5.
technologyTECH. UK connection to an electrical or fluid conductorTECH. UK
- The engineer made a tap into the main line.
6.
threading toolTECH. tool for cutting internal screw threadsTECH.
- Use a tap to create threads in the hole.
7.
medicalTECH. US procedure to remove fluid from a body cavityTECH. US
- The doctor performed a tap to relieve pressure.
Images of tap
device controlling fluid flow from a pipe 
gentle blow or stroke 
metal plate attached to a dancer's shoe to make rhythmic sounds 
connection to an electrical or fluid conductor 
tool for cutting internal screw threads
Expressions with tap
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available by turning a tap
The bar has several craft beers on tap.
enter information using a keyboard
She tapped in her password to access the account.
access or utilize a resource or source
They managed to tap into the local network to get faster internet.
submit to an opponent by tapping repeatedly
The fighter had to tap out to avoid injury.
light touch on the shoulder
She felt a tap on the shoulder and turned around.
slow down or stop a vehicle briefly
He had to tap the brakes to avoid hitting the car in front.
secretly listen to someone's phone conversations
The detective had to tap a phone to gather evidence.
avoid giving a direct answer
He tried to tap dance around the issue during the meeting.
use available resources effectively
The company tapped into resources to complete the project on time.
secretly listen to someone's phone conversations
The police tapped the suspect's phone during the investigation.
make use of available opportunities for benefit
She decided to tap the opportunities in the new market.
approach someone informally to ask for help or favours
She tapped up colleagues for donations to the fundraiser.
light touch with the elbow
He gave her an elbow tap to get her attention.
dance characterized by tapping sounds from shoes hitting the floor
She performed an energetic tap dance at the recital..
performer who dances wearing shoes fitted with metal taps
The tap dancer amazed the audience with rhythmic steps..
act of performing tap dance
Her tap dancing was the highlight of the show.
move feet up and down lightly, often with music
She likes to tap her feet when she hears a song.
move foot up and down to music
She tapped her foot to the rhythm of the song.
repetitive tapping sound
The tap tap of the keyboard was constant.
water supplied through pipes in buildings
She filled the kettle with tap water for tea.
device controlling water flow from a pipe
Turn the water tap to wash your hands.
tap that dispenses cold water in plumbing
Turn on the cold tap to fill the glass.
device for secretly listening to phone conversations
The police installed a phone tap to monitor the suspect's calls.
secretly listen to someone's phone conversations
The detective decided to tap phone lines for evidence.
Origin of tap
Old English, tæppa (stopper)
Terms with tap included in their meaning
💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
door action
hit or tap a door to get someone's attention
communication
to tap on a surface to attract attention
gentle hit
light blow or tap
beer drinks
available from a tap or keg, not bottled or canned
packaging
box containing wine in a bag with a tap
gentle tap
gently tap with the flat of the hand
Singapore
tap water served in restaurants
public health
official warning telling people to boil tap water before use
rhythmic tapping
tap rhythmically like drumming
music
tap a rhythm to measure the tempo of music
celebration
gently tap glasses together in celebration
telecommunications
tap a wire to get information
sound
light knock or tap
plumbing
valve or tap for controlling flow
royalty
confer knighthood with a sword tap
dance
a style of tap dance using soft-soled shoes for smooth steps
UK slang
tap water in the UK
tap dance
tap dancing with shoes that have soft soles
medical
reflex extension of the leg from a tendon tap
plumbing
water tap or faucet
greeting
briefly remove or tap one's hat as a greeting
engineering
tap off high-pressure gas from a system
phonetics
consonant sound made by a single tap
sports
light tap of the ball in cricket
Examples of tap in a sentence
The drummer tapped the cymbals softly. She tapped her savings for the trip. They tapped local talent for the project. She tapped her parents for help with the rent. They decided to tap the community for support. Rain tapped steadily against the window.
The loose sign tapped in the wind. She tapped the keg for the party. Farmers tapped the well for irrigation. They decided to tap the ambassador's communications. The journalist tapped into the politician's calls. She tapped the metal to fit the new screw. The engineer tapped the pipe to ensure a tight seal. The tap in the kitchen is leaking. Install a new tap to improve water flow. She felt a tap on her shoulder. A tap on the window startled him. They discovered a tap in the office phone. The tap recorded all their conversations secretly. The dancer replaced the tap on her shoe. He tightened the tap before the performance. He installed a tap to access the water supply. A tap was added for the new electrical circuit. The mechanic selected the right tap for the job. Ensure the tap is sharp before using it. A spinal tap was necessary to diagnose the condition. The patient underwent a tap to extract excess fluid.
View all translations of tap
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:tapoter, robinet, ...
- German:klopfen, Hahn, ...
- Italian:picchiettare, rubinetto, ...
- Spanish:golpear, grifo, ...
- Portuguese:tocar, torneira, ...
- Chinese:敲, 水龙头, ...
- Japanese:軽く叩く, 蛇口, ...
- Arabic:نَقَرَ, صُنْبُور, ...
- Hebrew:לְהַקִּישׁ, בֶּרֶז, ...
- Russian:постучать, кран, ...
- Ukrainian:постукати, кран, ...
- Hindi:थपथपाना, नल, ...
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