taps

American  

[taps] / tæps /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. a signal by bugle or drum, sounded at night as an order to extinguish all lights, and sometimes performed as a postlude to a military funeral.

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taps British  

/ tæps /

noun

1. 1. (in army camps, etc) a signal given on a bugle, drum, etc, indicating that lights are to be put out

   2. any similar signal, as at a military funeral

2. (in the Guide movement) a closing song sung at an evening camp fire or at the end of a meeting

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Etymology

Origin of taps

1815–25, probably tap(too) , variant of tattoo ¹ + -s ³

Example Sentences

In 1988, Alaska's trans-Alaska pipeline, or TAPS, was pumping a tremendous amount of petroleum from Prudhoe Bay on the North Slope to Valdez on the state's southern coast — approximately 2 million barrels a day.

From Salon • Mar. 16, 2023

Candace Wheeler, a senior adviser for policy and legislation at TAPS, said she expects that lawmakers will pass legislation to exempt veterans’ children from the tax hike.

From Washington Post • Sep. 6, 2019

"At Newton Running we are delighted to be partnering with the Gatlin Brothers on this special edition running/walking shoe to benefit TAPS," added Newton Running Co-Founder Jerry Lee.

From Fox News • Jul. 12, 2019

Proceeds and charitable contributions are donated to the NFL’s military nonprofit partners, including the USO, Wounded Warrior Project, Pat Tillman Foundation and TAPS.

From Washington Times • Nov. 3, 2017

But when uniformed men from an agency called TAPS, the Technology Allied Protection Service—who appear to be under Gross’ thumb—arrest Howell for stealing the device, the firm leaps to action to protect their employee.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2016