What does lapped mean?
Lapped is the past tense and past participle of lap, a versatile English verb with several distinct meanings. In its most familiar use, it describes water washing or beating against a shore, a boat, or another object: waves lapped against the rocks. In racing, it means to overtake and complete a full circuit ahead of another competitor. The word can also describe fabric or a body being covered or folded in layers, and “lapped up” means to drink something greedily. Although many unrelated-looking senses seem to coexist, several connect with the basic idea of moving over, touching, or enclosing something. Lapped is common in formal writing, reporting, sport, and everyday conversation, though the drinking sense is more informal and somewhat dated. Its range makes it especially useful for describing both physical movement and figurative competition.
verbPast tense and past participle of lap, meaning to wash with liquid, overtake, or cover or enfold something in folds. In phrases such as “lapped up,” it can also mean to drink greedily.
- To wash or beat against something with a liquid, especially water.
- To overtake or surpass someone, especially in a race or competition.
- To cover, surround, or enfold something with or as if with folds.
- To drink something greedily, especially using the tongue.
"The wave lapped gently against the shore as she watched the sunset."
"The leading runner was lapped by several competitors before the final stretch."
"She lapped the fresh milk quickly before heading out."
The same simple word can describe a wave touching the shore, a rival being overtaken, and a drink being quickly consumed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lapped come from?
The word derives from the Old English lap, meaning the fold of a garment, a fold of the body when sitting, or a portion of water enclosed by land. The verb developed senses connected with washing or licking and later with enclosing or covering something in folds. Its sporting sense of overtaking developed from the idea of passing around a track and completing a circuit. The root also survives in words such as lapel and laptop, while lapping in several technical senses reflects the older meanings of folding and liquid contact.
How lapped is actually used
The meaning depends heavily on context. In sports, “lapped” commonly means having completed a full circuit of a track ahead of someone. The phrase “lapped up” is informal and can sound somewhat old-fashioned, but it remains understood.
Easily confused with lapped
“Lapped” can mean washed, overtaken, or folded over, whereas “lapsed” usually means discontinued, declined, or fallen into error.