tap
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a device you turn or pull to control the flow of liquid or gas from a pipe.
n.a valve or faucet used to regulate the release of a fluid or gas from a pipe or container.
Simple“Don't forget to turn off the kitchen tap after you finish washing the dishes.”
In context“The plumber discovered that the main tap was corroded, preventing the residents from shutting off the water supply during the emergency.”
UsageIn American English, 'faucet' is more common for indoor sinks, while 'tap' is standard in British English.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
n.a gentle hit or touch, often making a quick, sharp sound.
n.a light, rhythmic blow or strike that typically produces a distinct percussive sound.
Simple“I heard a soft tap on the window and saw a bird outside.”
In context“A rhythmic tap against the floorboards betrayed his nervousness as he waited for the interview to begin.”
- 03 A2 Elementary
n.the act of touching a screen on a phone or tablet to make it do something.
n.a single tactile interaction with a touch-sensitive interface to trigger a command.
Simple“With just one tap on the app, you can order a taxi to your house.”
In context“The user interface was designed so that any critical setting could be reached with a single tap from the home screen.”
- 04 A2 Elementary
v.to hit something or someone quickly and gently.
v.to strike a surface or object with a light, quick blow.
Simple“He tapped his friend on the shoulder to get her attention.”
In context“She tapped her pen against the desk impatiently while waiting for the computer to reboot.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to start using a supply of something, like money, information, or energy.
v.to access or exploit a resource, often one that has been previously unused or underutilised.
Simple“The company wants to tap into the youth market with its new clothing line.”
In context“To fund the expansion, the board decided to tap into the company's emergency reserves rather than taking out a high-interest loan.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'into'.
- 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to use a secret device to listen to someone's phone calls.
v.to monitor a telephone or internet connection secretly using electronic equipment.
Simple“The police had to get a special permit to tap the suspect's phone.”
In context“Intelligence agencies were accused of tapping the private communications of foreign diplomats during the summit.”
- 07 C1 Advanced
v.to choose someone for a special job or position.
v.to select or designate an individual for a specific task, role, or honour.
Simple“She was tapped to lead the new project because of her great experience.”
In context“The senator was widely expected to be tapped for a cabinet position following the successful election campaign.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is common in American journalism when discussing political appointments or corporate promotions.
“A third boiled the water as recommended, got sick anyway, and didn’t go back to using tap water.”
“This was seen as a smart move, allowing Argos to tap into Sainsbury's large customer base.”