nap
1to sleep for a short time; doze.
to be off one's guard: The question caught him napping.
to sleep or doze through (a period of time, an activity, etc.) (usually followed by away): I napped the afternoon away. He naps away most of his classes.
a brief period of sleep, especially one taken during daytime: Has the baby had her nap?
Origin of nap
1Other words for nap
Other definitions for nap (2 of 4)
the short fuzzy ends of fibers on the surface of cloth, drawn up in napping.
any downy coating, as on plants.
to raise a nap on.
Origin of nap
2Other words from nap
- napless, adjective
- nap·less·ness, noun
Other definitions for nap (3 of 4)
Origin of nap
3Other definitions for -nap (4 of 4)
a combining form extracted from kidnap, with the general sense “abduct or steal in order to collect a ransom”: artnap; petnap; starnap.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use nap in a sentence
An accidental polyphasic sleeper, Bartiromo rests in naps rather than eight-hour chunks like the rest of us.
Longer naps will take you into the deep-sleep stage and leave you feeling groggy instead of energized upon waking up.
In bed, Talullah found Naps an alarming, exciting advance on her sexual education.
Tallulah Bankhead: Gay, Drunk and Liberated in an Era of Excess Art | Judith Mackrell | January 25, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTIn contrast to gentle Eva, Naps liked to draw a little blood in bed, to bruise and be bruised in return.
Tallulah Bankhead: Gay, Drunk and Liberated in an Era of Excess Art | Judith Mackrell | January 25, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThere was just enough room for a desk and chair and a small daybed for naps.
The Night Vince Lombardi Lay Awake Brooding Over a 49-0 Win | W.C. Heinz | January 25, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
I am not fool enough to put my precious Naps in jeopardy, just when I am so deucedly in want of them, too.
In fair weather he took his frequent naps on the turf above his master, or he sat on the fallen table-tomb in the sun.
Greyfriars Bobby | Eleanor AtkinsonIn the afternoon after their naps Mother and Father always enjoy a walk back on the farm.
The American Country Girl | Martha Foote CrowIt was always sinking forward; and he woke from naps without being sure that he had been asleep.
The Quality of Mercy | W. D. HowellsI've had to keep going, and take these poor little pick-me-ups of cat-naps whenever I can get them; but why?
The Beauty | Mrs. Wilson Woodrow
British Dictionary definitions for nap (1 of 3)
/ (næp) /
to sleep for a short while; doze
to be unaware or inattentive; be off guard (esp in the phrase catch someone napping)
a short light sleep; doze
Origin of nap
1British Dictionary definitions for nap (2 of 3)
/ (næp) /
the raised fibres of velvet or similar cloth
the direction in which these fibres lie when smoothed down
any similar downy coating
Australian informal blankets, bedding
(tr) to raise the nap of (cloth, esp velvet) by brushing or similar treatment
Origin of nap
2British Dictionary definitions for nap (3 of 3)
/ (næp) /
Also called: napoleon a card game similar to whist, usually played for stakes
a call in this card game, undertaking to win all five tricks
horse racing a tipster's choice for an almost certain winner
go nap
to undertake to win all five tricks at nap
to risk everything on one chance
not to go nap on Australian slang to hold in disfavour
nap hand a position in which there is a very good chance of success if a risk is taken
(tr) horse racing to name (a horse) as likely to win a race
Origin of nap
3Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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