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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

taps

It also taps into nostalgia for the toy cars, which originated after English engineer Jack Odell designed the first model to comply with a 1952 British school rule requiring toys to fit inside a matchbox.

From Barron's ● Oct. 8, 2026

It taps into humanity’s most ancient, addictive comedic truth, which is that some dude getting hit in the balls is hilarious.

From Slate ● Sep. 27, 2026

If this El Niño brings major storms, the L.A. area could take in even more water underground, enabling cities to pump it out later to deliver to taps.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 26, 2026

They’re about to kiss when her best friend yanks her away to go somewhere else, so she taps her number into Owen’s phone and dashes off.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026

Zarra taps the cover of The Three Musketeers.

From "Black Brother, Black Brother" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

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