# tapas

/ˈtəpəs/ (US) · /tˈɑːpəz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tapas
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. Spanish food

noun · CEFR B1

small plates of Spanish food, like olives, cheese, or meat, usually served with drinks.

For teachers: a variety of small savoury Spanish dishes or snacks, traditionally served with sherry or other alcoholic beverages.

- We ordered several different tapas to share while we sat outside the café.
- The restaurant specialises in authentic Andalusian tapas, ranging from simple marinated olives to complex seafood preparations.

Usage: Usually used in the plural form 'tapas' even when referring to the cuisine in general.

### 2. spiritual discipline

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a religious practice in India that involves self-discipline and simple living.

For teachers: the practice of asceticism and self-discipline in Hinduism and Jainism, aimed at spiritual purification.

- The monk spent years in tapas, living a very simple life in the mountains.
- In ancient Vedic traditions, tapas is described as a heat-generating spiritual practice that leads to higher consciousness.

Usage: Uncountable in this sense.

## Examples

- We ordered several plates of tapas and shared them with our friends.
- The restaurant offers a wide variety of tapas, ranging from traditional olives to modern seafood dishes.
- The evening began with a selection of tapas, allowing the guests to sample the chef's diverse influences before the main course was served.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.