rapping

American  

[rap-ing] / ˈræp ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or sound of a person or thing that raps. rap.

2. communication by the sound of taps or knocks, as between medium and spirit during a séance.

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Etymology

Origin of rapping

1350–1400; Middle English. See rap ¹, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

But the nonchalance of the sapphic romance portrayed in the video for 2025’s “First Luv,” and the ferocious rapping of “Shagidi” show this is an ambitious band with influence and inventiveness, too.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Ellis started his career at the age of seven, rapping and making his own music on an Atari computer system.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

Before that, he tried his hand at rapping and worked as a foreclosure-prevention counselor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 31, 2025

Doechii framed her raucous Sunday night set as a stern classroom lecture on the craft of rapping.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2025

A great many people, however, when they hear the rapping imagine at once that the spirits are touching them.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock