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

It is one of many for-profit companies that have carved out businesses vowing to help turn around troubled public schools, often by tapping public money.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

But depending on the purpose, such as paying for college or buying a home, tapping an IRA may be the better option, if you have one.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

Rather than relying solely on narratives of limits or collapse, long-term solutions may depend on tapping into shared goals and collective ambition.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 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

“Let’s get a move on, Aunt Kitty,” I said, tapping on her door.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

Related Words

• drilling