tapping

¹ American  

[tap-ing] / ˈtæp ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that taps tap taps or strikes lightly.

2. the sound produced by this.

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tapping ² American  

[tap-ing] / ˈtæp ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of tapping casks, telephone conversations, etc.

2. something that is drawn by tapping.

3. paracentesis.

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Etymology

Origin of tapping¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; tap ¹, -ing ¹

Origin of tapping²

First recorded in 1590–1600; tap ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

In their own ways, Raccio and Moon’s mattress store sound baths are tapping into a collective need for rest, but beyond that — a gentle pause from technology for one’s own well-being.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

"It is definitely tapping into something that is bigger than any one of us."

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

La Liga director Jaime Blanco says the occasion is a unique way of tapping into the history and traditions of its clubs.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Instead of tapping naturally with your fingertips, you often have to angle your fingers awkwardly just to make contact with the screen.

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

And there she was, with her chin in her hand, tapping her pencil on her desk, and staring straight back at me.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

Related Words

• drilling