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
• taperingly adverb
• untapering adjective
• tapering 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

"He is tapering nicely to the first Test," Rogers says.

Read more on BBC

The pain in my eyes tapers away, just enough for me to open them.

Read more on Literature

When most people hear the words “nuclear power plant,” they picture a giant funnel tapering upward from a wide base and belching steam from the top.

Read more on Literature

Doctors say it’s best to taper off gradually.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Tuesday and Wednesday will be cooler as a rainstorm approaches, expected to arrive late Wednesday and peak sometime Thursday, tapering off by the end of the week.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abate 
• dwindle 
• lessen 
• recede 
• subside