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

This handy gadget taps into any nearby Wi-Fi connection — and if there’s no Wi-Fi to be had, you can always use a 4G-dongle or ethernet-USB adapter to utilize the same service.

From Salon

For most restaurants today, reservations happen with a few taps on a phone.

From Salon

Until now, producers have been able to keep the taps flowing, and store any excess oil in tanks on land or ships at sea.

From Barron's

Inside a booth, he taps a screen and goes through the steps to make a report.

From BBC

Three short taps, a pause, and then three more taps, like it was some kind of code.

From Literature