What does tape mean?
Tape is a versatile word for several kinds of narrow, flexible strips and, by extension, for the act of recording. Its best-known use is adhesive tape, a strip that joins, seals, protects, or marks materials. In technology, tape refers to a medium for recording sound, images, or data, especially magnetic tape. A graduated strip used for measuring is also called a measuring tape or tape measure. As a verb, tape can mean fastening something with adhesive material, recording content, or measuring a distance. In journalism and informal conversation, a tape may also be a recorded interview or other retrospective account. Although digital recording has made many traditional tape formats less common, the word remains firmly established in everyday speech, workplaces, workshops, studios, and discussions of measurement and repair.
A narrow, flexible strip of material, especially adhesive tape, used to fasten, seal, repair, or mark something.
"He cut a length of tape and pressed it over the torn edge of the envelope."
The unmodified noun commonly refers to adhesive tape; other senses usually specify the kind of tape, such as masking tape or magnetic tape.
A thin flexible recording medium for sound, images, or data.
"The recording was preserved on tape for decades before being digitized."
This sense is especially associated with magnetic tape and is often used in technical, historical, or nostalgic contexts.
A graduated strip used to measure length or distance.
"Check the length with a tape before attaching the curtain rail."
In British English, tape measure is particularly common; in American English, tape is also frequently used by itself in this sense.
An informal recorded interview, conversation, or retrospective account.
"The documentary included rare tape of the singer discussing her early career."
This usage is especially common in journalism, biography, and entertainment contexts.
The plural is used for individual strips or recording media, as in ‘a collection of tapes.’
"The technician labelled the tapes before putting them back in the archive."
From securing a package to preserving a song, tape is a narrow strip with an outsized role in human life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tape come from?
The English word tape developed from Middle English tape, a term for a strip or piece of material, and ultimately relates to Germanic forms for a strip or fastening. The modern senses expanded beyond adhesive material to include recording media and measuring strips. Its association with taper reflects a shared historical tendency to refer to narrow, tapering strips, although the words developed distinct modern meanings.
Related word forms
How tape is actually used
The word is neutral and common in both British and American English. In the recording sense, it can sound somewhat nostalgic or informal when contrasted with digital media; in the sense of an interview or retrospective, it is often used attributively, as in a ‘tape interview’.
Easily confused with tape
A rope is a thicker cord made from twisted fibers, whereas tape is a thin, usually flat strip that may be adhesive, measuring, or designed for recording.