What does soap mean?
Soap is a cleansing substance traditionally made by reacting fats or oils with an alkali. Its salts of fatty acids help lift grease and dirt from skin, hair, clothing, and household surfaces when combined with water. The word commonly refers to a solid bar, although liquid and other forms are also available. In everyday language, “soap and water” often means ordinary washing, while “soap opera” refers to a serialized dramatic television program. Although “detergent” is sometimes used broadly as a synonym, the two terms can distinguish traditional soap from synthetic cleaning products. Soap also has a metaphorical use in phrases such as “soapbox,” where it retains its original association with a platform or container associated with washing.
A cleansing substance made from salts of fatty acids, traditionally produced by combining fats or oils with an alkali and water, used with water to remove dirt and grease.
"The bathroom shelf held a bottle of shampoo, a bar of soap, and a washcloth."
The term is sometimes contrasted with detergent, which generally denotes a synthetic cleaning agent, though usage varies by context.
To wash or rub something with soap.
"She soaped her hands and rinsed them under the tap."
This is an everyday verb, commonly used in the pattern “soap something” and in progressive forms such as “soaping up.”
The plural is used for individual kinds or pieces of soap, as well as for collections of soap products.
"The shop sells a variety of scented soaps."
The word soap comes from a Latin root meaning “soap,” and its chemical relatives include the processes and substances known as saponification and saponin.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does soap come from?
The English word descends from Old English sāpe, which was borrowed from Latin sapo, meaning “soap.” Latin sapo is also the source or related root of scientific terms including saponification and saponin. The word appears in several Germanic languages through borrowing or common Indo-European associations, while modern English usage includes both solid bars and liquid or other cleansing preparations.
Related word forms
How soap is actually used
In general use, “soap” refers to a traditional cleansing product made from fatty-acid salts, while “detergent” may refer to a broader range of synthetic cleaning agents. “Soap” can also function informally as a verb meaning to wash or rub with soap.