All Definitions for Tap
Below are all the dictionary definitions of tap:
1A conical peg or pin used to close and open the hole or vent in a container.
2An object with a tapering conical form like a tap (etymology 1, sense 1)
3Specifically, ellipsis of taproot (“long, tapering root of a plant”).
4A hollow device used to control the flow of a fluid, such as an alcoholic beverage from a cask, or a gas or liquid in a pipe.
5(medicine, informal) A procedure that removes fluid from a body cavity
6Paracentesis.
7Liquor drawn through a tap (etymology 1, sense 2.2)
8Hence, a certain kind or quality of liquor
9Also (figurative, informal), a certain kind or quality of any thing.
10(communication, chiefly law enforcement)
11A device used to listen in secretly on telephone calls or other communications.
12A secret interception of telephone calls or other communications using such a device
13Also, a recording of such a communication.
14(finance) A situation where a borrowing government authority issues bonds over a period of time, usually at a fixed price, with volumes sold on a particular day dependent on market conditions.
15(mechanics) A cylindrical tool used to cut an internal screw thread in a hole, with cutting edges around the lower end and an upper end to which a handle is fitted to turn the tool.
16(British, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering) A connection made to an electrical or fluid conductor without breaking it
17A tapping.
18(transitive) To furnish (a container, etc.) with a tap (noun etymology 1, sense 2.2) so that liquid can be drawn.
19To draw off (a liquid) from a container or other source
20Also, to draw off a liquid from (a container or other source).
21(medicine, informal) To drain off fluid from (a person or a body cavity) by paracentesis.
22(figurative) To break into or open up (a thing) so as to obtain something
23To exploit, to penetrate
24Tap into.
25(figurative) To deplete (something)
26To tap out.
27(figurative) (informal) To ask or beg for (something) to be given for free
28To cadge, to scrounge
29Also, to ask or beg (someone) to give something for free.
30(figurative) (communication, chiefly law enforcement) To connect a listening and/or recording device to (a communication cable or device) in order to listen in secretly on telephone calls or other communications
31Also, to secretly listen in on and/or record (a telephone call or other communication).
32(figurative) (board games, card games) To turn over (a playing card or playing piece) to remind players that it has already been used in that round.
33(figurative) (poker) To force (an opponent) to place all their poker chips in the pot (that is, to go all in) by wagering all of one's own chips.
34(horticulture) To remove a taproot from (a plant).
35(mechanics) To cut an internal screw thread in (a hole)
36Also, to cut (an internal screw thread) in a hole, or to create an internally threaded hole in (something).
37(mechanics) To cut an external screw thread into (a bolt or rod) to create a screw.
38(mechanics) To put (a screw or other object) in or through another thing.
39To click on something, usually a device.
40To act as a tapster
41To draw an alcoholic beverage from a container.
42To strike (someone or something), chiefly lightly with a clear sound, but sometimes hard.
43(slang) Also in the form tap on the shoulder: to arrest (someone).
44(slang, vulgar) To have sexual intercourse with (someone).
45(slang) To shoot (someone or something) with a firearm.
46To (lightly) touch (a finger, foot, or other body part) on a surface, often repeatedly.
47(transitive) To lightly touch a touchscreen, usually an icon or button, to activate a function.
48(transitive) To lightly and repeatedly touch (a person or one or more body parts) as part of various forms of psychological treatment.
49(combat sports) To force (an opponent) to submit, chiefly by indicating their intention to do so by striking a hand on the ground several times
50To tap out.
51(graphical user interface) To invoke a function on an electronic device such as a mobile phone by touching (a button, icon, or specific location on its touch screen).
52(British, dialectal or US) To repair (an item of footwear) by putting on a new heel or sole, or a piece of material on to the heel or sole.
53(chiefly US, informal) To choose or designate (someone) for a duty, an honour, membership of an organization, or a position.
54Often followed by at or on: to strike lightly with a clear sound
55Also, to make a sharp noise through this action.
56To walk by striking the ground lightly with a clear sound.
57Of a bell, a drum, etc.: to make a sharp noise, often as a signal.
58(combat sports) To submit to an opponent, chiefly by indicating an intention to do so by striking a hand on the ground several times
59To tap out.
60A light blow or strike with a clear sound
61A gentle rap
62A pat
63Also, the sound made by such a blow or strike.
64(informal, minimizer, chiefly in the negative) The smallest amount of work
65A stroke of work.
66(dance) One of the metal pieces attached to the sole of a tap dancer's shoe at the toe and heel to cause a tapping sound.
67(firearms, slang) A shot fired from a firearm.
68(graphical user interface) An act of touching a button, icon, or specific location on the touch screen of an electronic device such as a mobile phone to invoke a function.
69(phonetics) A single muscle contraction in vocal organs causing a consonant sound
70Also, the sound so made.
71(British, dialectal or US) A piece of leather or other material fastened upon the bottom of an item of footwear when repairing the heel or sole
72Also (England, dialectal) the sole of an item of footwear.
73A malarial fever.
74(obsolete) To spend money, etc., freely.
75(obsolete) Of a hare or rabbit: to strike the ground repeatedly with its feet during the rutting season.
76The station code of Tai Po Market in Hong Kong.
77Ellipsis of tap dance. [A rhythmic dance in which the heels and toes of the dancer's shoes make a series of clicks.]
78(British) Ellipsis of taphouse or taproom (“place where alcoholic beverages are served on tap”).
79Initialism of think aloud protocol. [A data-gathering method used in a variety of research areas in people are asked to verbalise their thought processes as they do a specific task, and this is recorded for further analysis.]
80Initialism of talk aloud protocol. [Synonym of think aloud protocol.]
81Initialism of total audience package: an offering that includes ads broadcast during every part of the schedule.
82Initialism of The Ada Project.
About synonyms for tap
Finding the right synonym for tap helps writers avoid repetition and add precision to their work. Defined as "A conical peg or pin used to close and open the hole or vent in a container.", tap has 7 alternatives that can fit different contexts and tones.
Each synonym carries a slightly different shade of meaning. Pat is the most direct replacement in most situations. Dab works well in formal or professional contexts. Pink is often preferred when the context calls for a more specific or nuanced expression.
When choosing a synonym, consider the connotation, formality level, and audience. Some alternatives work better in casual conversation while others shine in academic or professional writing. For example, using a more formal synonym in a business email can elevate your tone, while a casual synonym might feel more natural in creative writing or dialogue.
It is also worth noting that not all synonyms are perfectly interchangeable. The context of your sentence, the surrounding words, and the intended emotional impact all play a role in selecting the best alternative. The list above provides the most common and useful replacements for tap, but always read your sentence aloud to ensure the chosen word flows naturally.