tap
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
To strike (someone or something), chiefly lightly with a clear sound, but sometimes hard. — Also in the form tap on the shoulder: to arrest (someone).
Register: slang
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
To strike (someone or something), chiefly lightly with a clear sound, but sometimes hard. — To have sexual intercourse with (someone).
Register: slang, vulgar
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
To strike (someone or something), chiefly lightly with a clear sound, but sometimes hard. — To shoot (someone or something) with a firearm.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “tap” mean?
To strike (someone or something), chiefly lightly with a clear sound, but sometimes hard. — Also in the form tap on the shoulder: to arrest (someone).
Is “tap” formal or informal?
tap is generally slang.