What does tapis mean?
Tapis is an uncommon English noun for a carpet or rug, particularly one that is richly woven, antique, or intended as a decorative floor covering. It has a formal, literary tone and is more likely to appear in descriptions of historic interiors, museums, aristocratic homes, or works of literature than in everyday speech. In English, the word can be singular or plural without any change in form: one tapis and several tapis have the same spelling. The word comes directly from French, where tapis likewise means a carpet or rug, and ultimately connects with Latin vocabulary for carpets and coverings. Its association with European interiors and traditional decorative arts gives it a somewhat nostalgic and sophisticated character. Although it is related in origin to tapestry, a tapis is more specifically an actual carpet or rug, while a tapestry is generally a woven artwork made for display.
nounA carpet or rug, especially a richly woven or decorative floor covering. The word is chiefly literary or formal and is uncommon in contemporary English.
- A carpet or rug, especially a decorative or richly woven floor covering.
"An antique tapis lay across the drawing-room floor."
"A faded tapis covered the floor of the old manor house."
"The museum displayed an antique tapis beside a carved wooden chest."
The plural is identical to the singular, as in one tapis and several tapis.
"Several antique tapis were arranged along the gallery wall."
Tapis has a useful quirk: its singular and plural forms are identical, so one carpet and several carpets can look exactly alike.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tapis come from?
English tapis is borrowed from French tapis, meaning a carpet or rug. The French word continues Old French tapis and ultimately derives from Latin vocabulary associated with carpets and coverings, a source also underlying tapestry and related forms.
How tapis is actually used
Literary, formal, and somewhat dated in modern English. It is normally used as both the singular and plural form, with no change in spelling.
Easily confused with tapis
A tapis is a carpet or rug used as a floor covering, whereas a tapestry is a woven textile, often depicting a scene or narrative and made primarily for display.