tapping

¹ American  

[tap-ing] / ˈtæp ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that 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; see origin at tap ¹, -ing ¹

Origin of tapping²

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

Example Sentences

“Similar to collecting Social Security benefits, the longer you can defer tapping into your home equity, the more money you can ultimately receive.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

Eddie Van Halen, whose two-handed tapping made him a generational talent, died of cancer in 2020.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Studies now show that plants can continue drawing large amounts of water even during hot, dry conditions, tapping both snowmelt and groundwater and reducing the amount that reaches rivers.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

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

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

It sounded like somebody tapping a wooden spoon against a wooden bowl.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

Related Words

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