lap
lap Lexical Profile
lap Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The flat surface formed by the upper part of the thighs when a person is sitting down.
"The sleepy cat curled up comfortably on her lap while she read a book."
One complete circuit around a racetrack, running track, or length of a swimming pool.
"The runner increased her pace during the final lap of the race."
A section or stage of a journey, trip, or project.
"They encountered heavy rain during the last lap of their cross-country expedition."
An act or sound of licking up liquid, or of water washing gently against a shore.
"They sat on the dock and listened to the quiet lap of the waves against the wooden pilings."
• verb
To take up liquid or food with the tongue (especially of an animal).
"The thirsty puppy eagerly lapped water from the metal bowl."
To wash or flow gently against something with a soft splashing sound (of water).
"Gentle waves lapped against the hull of the anchored sailboat."
To overtake a slower competitor in a race by one or more complete circuits of the track.
"The lead cyclist managed to lap several riders before reaching the finish line."
To fold, wrap, or project partially over something else.
"Each wooden shingle is designed to lap slightly over the one below it to keep out the rain."
• Rhymes for lap
Word Origin & Etymology
The word 'lap' represents two distinct Old English roots that merged in form: 'læppa' (meaning a fold or hanging edge of a garment, which evolved to mean the upper thighs of a seated person and later a circuit around a track) and 'lapian' (an imitative root meaning to lick up liquid with the tongue).