# tape

/ˈteɪp/ (US) · /tˈeɪp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tape
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. sticky strip

noun · CEFR A2

a long, thin strip of plastic or paper with glue on one side used to join things.

For teachers: a narrow, flexible strip of material coated with an adhesive substance on one or both sides.

- I used some clear tape to fix the torn page in my book.
- The technician applied industrial-strength tape to the cable joints to ensure they remained moisture-proof during the winter months.

### 2. recording media

noun · CEFR B1

a thin strip of magnetic material used for recording sound or pictures.

For teachers: a narrow strip of magnetic or optical material used for the storage of audio or video data.

- He found an old tape of his parents' wedding in the attic.
- Although digital formats have taken over, some audiophiles still prefer the warm sound produced by high-quality analogue tape.

### 3. measuring tool

noun · CEFR B1

a long strip of fabric or metal marked with units like centimetres for measuring length.

For teachers: a flexible ruler consisting of a ribbon of cloth, plastic, or metal with linear-measurement markings.

- The tailor wrapped the tape around his waist to get the correct measurement.
- The surveyor extended the steel tape across the foundation to verify that the dimensions matched the architectural blueprints.

### 4. finish line

noun · CEFR B2

a strip of paper or ribbon stretched across the end of a race track.

For teachers: a ribbon or string stretched across a finish line that the winner of a race must break or touch.

- The runner cheered as he broke the tape at the end of the marathon.
- The sprinters were so close that the judges had to review the footage to see who actually hit the tape first.

### 5. to record

verb · CEFR B1

to record sound or video using a camera or recorder.

For teachers: to record audio or video content, originally referring to magnetic media but now used broadly for digital recording.

- Did you tape the football game while I was at work?
- The journalists were permitted to tape the interview provided they did not release the footage until after the official announcement.

### 6. to fasten

verb · CEFR B1

to stick something down or join things together using sticky tape.

For teachers: to fasten, secure, or seal an object using adhesive tape.

- She taped the poster to the wall so it wouldn't fall down.
- The movers carefully taped the lids of the boxes to prevent them from opening during transit.

## Examples

- I used some clear tape to fix the broken envelope.
- The technician replaced the old magnetic tape in the recording machine to ensure better sound quality.
- Before the digital revolution, archival footage was stored on physical tape, which required specific climate-controlled environments to prevent the material from degrading over time.

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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.