taps

American  

[taps] / tæps /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. a signal by bugle or drum, sounded at night as an order to extinguish all lights, and sometimes performed as a postlude to a military funeral.

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taps British  

/ tæps /

noun

1. 1. (in army camps, etc) a signal given on a bugle, drum, etc, indicating that lights are to be put out

   2. any similar signal, as at a military funeral

2. (in the Guide movement) a closing song sung at an evening camp fire or at the end of a meeting

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Etymology

Origin of taps

1815–25, probably tap(too) , variant of tattoo ¹ + -s ³

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

taps

Away from the social media buzz, the film's stars say it also taps into deeper themes, from gender roles to breaking societal rules.

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026

It taps into humanity’s most ancient, addictive comedic truth, which is that some dude getting hit in the balls is hilarious.

From Slate ● Sep. 27, 2026

If this El Niño brings major storms, the L.A. area could take in even more water underground, enabling cities to pump it out later to deliver to taps.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 26, 2026

With the glaciers that feed the rivers receding, he writes, “the taps that have kept Europe’s rivers full for thousands of years are running dry.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

Tano taps his ears, just like the kids at school would sometimes do to get under Autumn’s skin.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer