What does "tap" mean?

1. (water/gas valve) a device you turn or pull to control the flow of liquid or gas from a pipe. 2. (a light hit) a gentle hit or touch, often making a quick, sharp sound. 3. (screen touch) the act of touching a screen on a phone or tablet to make it do something. 4. (to hit lightly) to hit something or someone quickly and gently. 5. (to use a resource) to start using a supply of something, like money, information, or energy. 6. (to listen secretly) to use a secret device to listen to someone's phone calls. 7. (to choose someone) to choose someone for a special job or position.

How do you use "tap"?

In American English, 'faucet' is more common for indoor sinks, while 'tap' is standard in British English. Often used with the preposition 'into'.

tap

n. · v.

US //ˈtæp// UK //tˈæp// tap

1 water/gas valve (n.)
A2 Elementary British English

a device you turn or pull to control the flow of liquid or gas from a pipe.

a valve or faucet used to regulate the release of a fluid or gas from a pipe or container.

Example

Don't forget to turn off the kitchen tap after you finish washing the dishes.

Example

The plumber discovered that the main tap was corroded, preventing the residents from shutting off the water supply during the emergency.

Usage

In American English, 'faucet' is more common for indoor sinks, while 'tap' is standard in British English.
- faucet
- spigot
- valve
2 a light hit (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a gentle hit or touch, often making a quick, sharp sound.

a light, rhythmic blow or strike that typically produces a distinct percussive sound.

Example

I heard a soft tap on the window and saw a bird outside.

Example

A rhythmic tap against the floorboards betrayed his nervousness as he waited for the interview to begin.
- rap
- knock
- pat

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3 screen touch (n.)
A2 Elementary Computing

the act of touching a screen on a phone or tablet to make it do something.

a single tactile interaction with a touch-sensitive interface to trigger a command.

Example

With just one tap on the app, you can order a taxi to your house.

Example

The user interface was designed so that any critical setting could be reached with a single tap from the home screen.
- click
- touch
4 to hit lightly (v.)
A2 Elementary

to hit something or someone quickly and gently.

to strike a surface or object with a light, quick blow.

Example

He tapped his friend on the shoulder to get her attention.

Example

She tapped her pen against the desk impatiently while waiting for the computer to reboot.
5 to use a resource (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to start using a supply of something, like money, information, or energy.

to access or exploit a resource, often one that has been previously unused or underutilised.

Example

The company wants to tap into the youth market with its new clothing line.

Example

To fund the expansion, the board decided to tap into the company's emergency reserves rather than taking out a high-interest loan.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'into'.
6 to listen secretly (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to use a secret device to listen to someone's phone calls.

to monitor a telephone or internet connection secretly using electronic equipment.

Example

The police had to get a special permit to tap the suspect's phone.

Example

Intelligence agencies were accused of tapping the private communications of foreign diplomats during the summit.
- bug
- wiretap
- monitor
7 to choose someone (v.)
C1 Advanced American English Informal

to choose someone for a special job or position.

to select or designate an individual for a specific task, role, or honour.

Example

She was tapped to lead the new project because of her great experience.

Example

The senator was widely expected to be tapped for a cabinet position following the successful election campaign.

Teacher's tip

This sense is common in American journalism when discussing political appointments or corporate promotions.

Idioms2 entries