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

Lindo starts rapping on the wood table separating us and doesn’t stop until I ask if he’s a man given to superstition.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

"I'm getting up and doing a wee bit of rapping, so I am," he told BBC News NI.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

From the start, Rocky has been most highly praised for his taste and aesthetic sense rather than raw rapping skill or lyricism, and his albums tend to be a showcase for his wide-ranging musical interests.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2025

The article covered the history of spirit rapping and included a signed confession from Maggie.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock