noun
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a member of a nomadic people living chiefly in N Scandinavia and the Kola Peninsula of Russia
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the language of this people, belonging to the Finno-Ugric family
adjective
Sensitive Note
Though Lapp, Laplander, and Lappish are still in use, the people themselves consider these terms to be offensive. They use the name Sami. The reason for the perceived offensiveness of these terms is their possible etymology from an Old Swedish word meaning “piece or patch,” alluding to the patched clothes that the impoverished Sami wore in the past. Lapland is still the acceptable name for the region inhabited by the Sami, though the Sami call it Sapmi.
Usage
The indigenous people of Lapland prefer to be called Sami , although Lapp is still in widespread use
Etymology
Origin of Lapp
First recorded in 1855–60; origin uncertain; possibly from Old Swedish lapper “piece” (the Sami were so poor that they had to patch their clothes); or originally a term of contempt; compare Middle High German lappe “simpleton”; perhaps of Finnish origin; compare Finnish lappalainen “Lapp,” Lappi “Lapland” (meaning “northern wilderness”)
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Lapp of Sunreef says what's really needed is a wider culture shift away from teak altogether.
From BBC • Feb. 2, 2026
"Then we show them… and they realise they can't tell the difference," says Lapp.
From BBC • Feb. 2, 2026
“You don’t get promoted to the senior ranks of the FBI counterintelligence division by focusing on Cuba,” Lapp said.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 15, 2024
Ms. Lapp said the wind farm site was a prime summer location for the squids that form much of her company’s business.
From New York Times • Jun. 27, 2023
Lapp said, “Gerald G., accept our humble apologies, also our lack of couth; we will kibbutz, I mean kibitz, on the action no longer, we promise to keep it down to your dull roar.”
From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
