tape out
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To measure out (a piece of land) so as to be able to accurately fire upon it.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Tracks made of wooden slabs fastened together were the only roads by which men and pack-mules could cross this quagmire, and each of these ways became taped out by the enemy's artillery, and very perilous.
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
Meaning · English
To complete the design of an integrated circuit so that the photomask can be sent out for fabrication.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “tape out” mean?
To measure out (a piece of land) so as to be able to accurately fire upon it.
Is “tape out” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.