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

Ravinder usually works on his timepieces alone, the only sound the tapping of an elegant hammer and the metronomic ticking of clocks.

From The Wall Street Journal

Often it's sounds associated with mouth, throat or facial movements that cause distress, as well as things like chewing, breathing, and repetitive finger tapping.

From BBC

"It was horrific. There were people tapping my phone. They were just everywhere. And I was just on my own. I was terrified to go to sleep," she said.

From BBC

Other large industrial firms are making similar moves, tapping their expertise at building at scale and managing complex global supply chains.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the seventh minute of stoppage time, Beier was set up by fellow substitute Fabio Silva, tapping in from close range to wrap up the match for the hosts.

From Barron's

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