taper

¹

[tey-per]

verb (used without object)

1. to become smaller or thinner toward one end.

2. to grow gradually lean.

verb (used with object)

1. to make gradually smaller toward one end.

2. to reduce gradually.

noun

1. gradual diminution of width or thickness in an elongated object.

2. gradual decrease of force, capacity, etc.

3. anything having a tapering form, as a spire or obelisk.

4. a candle, especially a very slender one.

5. a long wick coated with wax, tallow, or the like, as for use in lighting candles or gas.

verb phrase

1. taper off

   1. to become gradually more slender toward one end.

   2. to cease by degrees; decrease; diminish.

      The storm is beginning to taper off now.

      I haven't stopped smoking entirely, but I'm tapering off to three cigarettes a day.

taper

²

[tey-per]

noun

1. a person who records or edits magnetic tape, videotape, etc.

taper

/ ˈteɪpə /

verb

1. to become or cause to become narrower towards one end

   the spire tapers to a point

2. (often foll by off) to become or cause to become smaller or less significant

noun

1. a thin candle

2. a thin wooden or waxed strip for transferring a flame; spill

3. a narrowing

4. engineering (in conical parts) the amount of variation in the diameter per unit of length

5. any feeble source of light

Other Word Forms

• taperer noun
• tapering adjective
• taperingly adverb
• untapering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of taper¹

First recorded before 900; from Middle English: “wax candle,” from Old English, variant of tapur, dissimilated variant of unattested papur paper

Origin of taper²

First recorded in 1980–85; tape + -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of taper¹

Old English tapor, probably from Latin papӯrus _papyrus (from its use as a wick)

Example Sentences

“It’s a collective thing. I can’t taper that for individuals, but I can certainly be conscious of pacing and understanding. I don’t think I’m aloof enough to not have that in my mind.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The government is widely expected to change the two-child limit in November's Budget, with reports suggesting the Treasury is looking at different options to replace it, including a tapered system.

Read more on BBC

The design of tapered pillars was inspired by the Palace of the Governors at Uxmal, a Maya ruin on Yucatán Peninsula dating from AD 800.

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“When he’s not in the lineup,” Roberts said, “our offense tapers off.”

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Firefighters are expected to get some much needed relief as humidity will likely increase overnight from 20% to 45% and gusty winds, which have helped drive the fire, will taper off by 10 p.m.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abate 
• dwindle 
• lessen 
• recede 
• subside