tap tap /ˈtæp/

noun

1. () The sound made by a gentle blow  ( pat , rap , tap )
   the sound made by a gentle blow
     He gave a gentle tap on the door to announce his arrival.
   He gave a gentle tap on the door to announce his arrival.
   
2. A light touch or stroke  ( pat , tap , dab )
   a light touch or stroke
   
3. The act of tapping a telephone or telegraph line to get information  ( tap , wiretap )
   the act of tapping a telephone or telegraph line to get information
   
4. A plug for a bunghole in a cask  ( spigot , tap )
   a plug for a bunghole in a cask
   
5. A tool for cutting female (internal) screw threads  ( tap )
   a tool for cutting female (internal) screw threads
   
6. (dancing) a small metal plate that attaches to the toe or heel of a shoe (as in tap dancing)  ( tap )
   (dancing) a small metal plate that attaches to the toe or heel of a shoe (as in tap dancing)
   
7. A faucet for drawing water from a pipe or cask  ( hydrant , tap , water faucet [ N. American] , water tap )
   a faucet for drawing water from a pipe or cask
    Please turn off the tap when you finish washing the dishes
   Please turn off the tap when you finish washing the dishes
   
   
8. A gentle blow  ( rap , strike , tap )
   a gentle blow
   

verb

1. () Cut a female screw thread with a tap  ( tap )
   cut a female screw thread with a tap
   
2. () Draw from; make good use of  ( exploit , tap )
   draw from; make good use of
    We must exploit the resources we are given wisely
   we must exploit the resources we are given wisely
   
3. () Strike lightly  ( tip , tap )
   strike lightly
    He tapped me on the shoulder
   He tapped me on the shoulder
   
4. () Draw from or dip into to get something  ( tap )
   draw from or dip into to get something
    Tap one's memory
   tap one's memory
    Tap a source of money
   tap a source of money
   
5. () Tap a telephone or telegraph wire to get information  ( bug , intercept , wiretap , tap )
   tap a telephone or telegraph wire to get information
    The FBI was tapping the phone line of the suspected spy
   The FBI was tapping the phone line of the suspected spy
    Is this hotel room bugged?
   Is this hotel room bugged?
   
6. Make a solicitation or entreaty for something; request urgently or persistently  ( tap , solicit , beg )
   make a solicitation or entreaty for something; request urgently or persistently
    Henry IV solicited the Pope for a divorce
   Henry IV solicited the Pope for a divorce
    My neighbor keeps soliciting money for different charities
   My neighbor keeps soliciting money for different charities
   
7. Pierce in order to draw a liquid from  ( tap )
   pierce in order to draw a liquid from
    Tap a maple tree for its syrup
   tap a maple tree for its syrup
    Tap a keg of beer
   tap a keg of beer
   
8. Draw (liquor) from a tap  ( tap )
   draw (liquor) from a tap
    Tap beer in a bar
   tap beer in a bar
   
9. Dance and make rhythmic clicking sounds by means of metal plates nailed to the sole of the dance shoes  ( tap , tapdance )
   dance and make rhythmic clicking sounds by means of metal plates nailed to the sole of the dance shoes
    Glover tapdances better than anybody
   Glover tapdances better than anybody
   
10. Walk with a tapping sound  ( tap )
    walk with a tapping sound
    
11. Make light, repeated taps on a surface  ( knock , pink , rap , tap )
    make light, repeated taps on a surface
     He was tapping his fingers on the table impatiently
    he was tapping his fingers on the table impatiently
    
12. Furnish with a tap or spout, so as to be able to draw liquid from it  ( tap )
    furnish with a tap or spout, so as to be able to draw liquid from it
     Tap a cask of wine
    tap a cask of wine