What does tap mean?
A tap is principally a faucet or valve controlling the flow of water, as in the instruction to turn on the tap. The word also denotes a light knock or touch and, as a verb, means to strike something lightly. In more specialized contexts, tapping a telephone line or conversation means intercepting or monitoring it, while tapping a resource or talent means making use of something available. These related senses developed from the idea of a small opening or stopcock and the action of touching or striking lightly. Although tap is a simple, everyday word, its range includes domestic instructions, telephone surveillance, business or recruitment language, and the precise movements of tap dancing. It is useful precisely because it is concise: one word can identify both the familiar household fitting and several figurative forms of accessing or monitoring something.
A device controlling the flow of liquid, especially a household faucet; also a light blow or touch and, in specialized contexts, an interception of communications.
"There was a soft tap at the window."
As a household fixture, "tap" is standard in British English and is also widely used in American English.
To strike or touch lightly; draw liquid from a tap; intercept a communication; begin using an available resource; or perform tap-dance steps.
"He tapped the pipe gently to see whether it still carried water."
The communication and resource-access senses are figurative extensions and may suggest secrecy, exploitation, or deliberate selection.
Use the plural for multiple faucets, light knocks, or separate instances of interception or resource use.
"The old building had two taps at the back."
A tap can mean a faucet, a light knock, or an intercepted phone call, so the word stretches from running water to covert listening.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tap come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old English "tappa," meaning a stopcock or faucet. Its related verb uses developed from the idea of touching or striking lightly, while the modern sense for the fitting controlling a household water supply became firmly established during the 19th century. The communication sense arose much later by analogy with physically tapping into a line.
Related word forms
How tap is actually used
The noun and verb have several distinct meanings, so context is usually decisive. In British English, "tap" is the usual term for an indoor water outlet, while "faucet" is more common in American English; however, both terms are understood in both varieties. The communication-related senses are usually somewhat technical or covert, and "tap" for a faucet should not be confused with the similar-sounding noun "tape".
Easily confused with tap
A tap is a faucet or an act of lightly striking something, whereas tape is adhesive material or a recording medium.