rapping

American  

[rap-ing] / ˈræp ɪŋ /

noun

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

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 31, 2025

In the last few days alone, he could be seen on prime time TV as a judge on “The Voice” and rapping during the “Monday Night Football” intro.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025

They continued rapping by cracking their joints, which became how their older sister, Leah, made a living that supported them all.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock