neap

¹

[ neep ]

adjective

1. designating tides midway between spring tides that attain the least height.

noun

1. neap tide.

neap

²

[ neep ]

noun

, New England.

1. the pole or tongue of a cart, wagon, etc., drawn by two animals side by side.

neap

/ niːp /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or constituting a neap tide

noun

1. short for neap tide

Word History and Origins

Origin of neap¹

before 900; Middle English neep, Old English nēp-, in nēpflōd neap tide

Origin of neap²

1545–55 origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of neap¹

Old English, as in nēpflōd neap tide, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

But when there has been a neap-tide in his temper for any time, you're sure to find it followed by a flood with a vengeance.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a time of neap or spring tide, besides which the wind was in the right direction to make the water rise very high.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the vessels out of which ale was drunk was the Saxon nap, now the neap, or nip, out of which we drink Burton ale.

From Project Gutenberg

The spring tides fill it, but during the neap tides the salt water is kept stagnant behind the sea-banks, making a small lagoon.

From Project Gutenberg

About twelve feet was the greatest rise, which I apprehend would be diminished to eight, at the neap tides.

From Project Gutenberg