What does lap mean?
The word lap has several connected everyday meanings. As a noun, it can mean the part of the body covered by clothing when a person sits with one leg crossed over the other, especially when a child sits on an adult's lap. It also means one complete circuit of a track or course, as in the final lap of a race, and can refer to an overlapping section or layer in technical settings. As a verb, to lap means to overtake someone, usually in a race, or to move against a surface in a soft, repeated motion, as waves do along a shore. These senses share the basic image of something enclosed, crossed, or moving around in a circuit. The phrase “lap of luxury” adds a more figurative meaning: a position of great comfort and abundance.
The area formed by the thighs of a seated person, especially when the legs are crossed, or a place where a person sits on another person's thighs.
"The baby fell asleep on her mother's lap."
Often used with a possessive or preposition, as in “on someone’s lap.”
One complete circuit of a track, course, or route.
"The runner began her final lap just as the stadium lights came on."
Common in racing, athletics, cycling, and other contexts involving repeated circuits.
To pass another person or vehicle and move ahead, especially in a race.
"He lapped the slower car before entering the final straight."
Usually transitive and strongly associated with racing or speed.
To move against a surface in soft, repeated movements, as water does at a shore.
"Small waves lapped against the wooden jetty."
Common with water, waves, or liquid moving gently against a surface.
The plural is used for individual circuits, completed sections of a course, or overlapping areas.
"The athletes completed five laps before the sprint began."
From the lap of luxury to the final lap of a race, this small word covers both indulgence and competition.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lap come from?
The noun lap developed from Old English lappa, referring to a fold or flap, especially of clothing, and later to the part of the body covered when sitting with crossed legs. The related verb also developed from the idea of moving over or against something. The word has cognate forms in several Germanic languages, including Dutch lap and German Lappen. Its history also connects with words such as lappet, a flap or fold, while the association with leaping is sometimes reflected in the older English form leap.
Related word forms
How lap is actually used
The noun meanings are common in British and American English. The verb is transitive when it means to overtake and intransitive when it describes water washing against a surface. In computing, “lap” can refer to an overlapping iteration or layer.
Easily confused with lap
A lap is a seated person's thigh area or a complete circuit, whereas a lapse is a temporary failure, decline, or unintentional mistake.