rap

¹

[ rap ]

verb (used with object)

, rapped, rap·ping.

1. to strike, especially with a quick, smart, or light blow:

   He rapped the door with his cane.

2. to utter sharply or vigorously:

   to rap out a command.

3. (of a spirit summoned by a medium) to communicate (a message) by raps (often followed by out ).
4. Slang. to criticize sharply:

   Critics could hardly wait to rap the play.

5. Slang. to arrest, detain, or sentence for a crime.
6. Metallurgy. to jar (a pattern) loose from a sand mold.

verb (used without object)

, rapped, rap·ping.

1. to knock smartly or lightly, especially so as to make a noise:

   to rap on a door.

2. Slang. to talk or discuss, especially freely, openly, or volubly; chat.
3. Slang. to talk rhythmically to the beat of rap music.

noun

1. a quick, smart, or light blow:

   a rap on the knuckles with a ruler.

2. the sound produced by such a blow:

   They heard a loud rap at the door.

3. Slang. blame or punishment, especially for a crime.
4. Slang. a criminal charge:

   a murder rap.

5. Slang. response, reception, or judgment:

   The product has been getting a very bad rap.

6. Slang.
   1. a talk, conversation, or discussion; chat.
   2. talk designed to impress, convince, etc.; spiel:

      a high-pressure sales rap.

7. rap music.

rap

²

[ rap ]

noun

1. the least bit; the smallest amount; jot; iota:

   I don't care a rap.

2. a counterfeit halfpenny formerly passed in Ireland.

rap

³

[ rap ]

verb (used with object)

, Archaic.

, rapped or rapt, rap·ping.

1. to carry off; transport.
2. to transport with rapture.
3. to seize for oneself; snatch.

rap

¹

/ ræp /

verb

1. to strike (a fist, stick, etc) against (something) with a sharp quick blow; knock

   he rapped at the door

2. intr to make a sharp loud sound, esp by knocking
3. tr to rebuke or criticize sharply
4. trfoll byout to put (forth) in sharp rapid speech; utter in an abrupt fashion

   to rap out orders

5. slang.
   intr to talk, esp volubly
6. intr to perform a rhythmic monologue with a musical backing
7. rap over the knuckles
   to reprimand

noun

1. a sharp quick blow or the sound produced by such a blow
2. a sharp rebuke or criticism
3. slang.
   voluble talk; chatter

   stop your rap

4. 1. a fast, rhythmic monologue over a prerecorded instrumental track
   2. ( as modifier )

      rap music

5. slang.
   a legal charge or case
6. beat the rap slang.
   to escape punishment or be acquitted of a crime
7. take the rap slang.
   to suffer the consequences of a mistake, misdeed, or crime, whether guilty or not

rap

²

/ ræp /

noun

1. used with a negative the least amount (esp in the phrase not to care a rap )

rap

³

/ ræp /

verb

1. informal.
   a variant spelling of wrap wrap

rap

1. A form of pop music characterized by spoken or chanted rhymed lyrics, with a syncopated, repetitive accompaniment. Rap music originated in the second half of the twentieth century in black urban communities. ( See also hip-hop .)

Derived Forms

• ˈrapping, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rap¹

First recorded in 1300–50; 1960–65 rap ¹fordef 8; Middle English verb rappen; akin to Swedish rappa “to beat, drub,” German rappeln “to rattle”; the senses “to talk” and “conversation, talk” are perhaps of distinct origin, though the hypothesis that these meanings are a shortening of repartee is questionable

Origin of rap²

First recorded in 1715–25; origin uncertain

Origin of rap³

First recorded in 1520–30; back formation from rapt

Word History and Origins

Origin of rap¹

C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish rappa to beat

Origin of rap²

C18: probably from ropaire counterfeit coin formerly current in Ireland

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. beat the rap, Slang. to succeed in evading the penalty for a crime; be acquitted:

   The defendant calmly insisted that he would beat the rap.

2. take the rap, Slang. to take the blame and punishment for a crime committed by another:

   He took the rap for the burglary.

More idioms and phrases containing rap

In addition to the idiom beginning with rap , also see beat the rap ; bum rap ; not give a damn (rap) ; take the rap .

Example Sentences

“We’re either getting vital information,” he raps out in justification, “or we’re driving them to murder their own men. Either way we win.”

From Los Angeles Times

This year's longlist also includes indie band English Teacher and Northern Irish rap act Kneecap.

From BBC

The track’s production, and the more traditional but equally stellar B-side “Battle Drill,” were undeniable head-nodders that helped the more skeptical listeners be welcomed into such a different approach to rap.

From Los Angeles Times

In one verse, Saldaña sings/raps Spanish lyrics that translate to: “The chemist, he recently had his business partner and family killed / All to the slaughter! / And what did they do with the corpses? / Acid!”

From Los Angeles Times

The energy in the audience shifted slightly but perceptibly: Wait, is he rapping?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• knock
• scold