taper

¹

[ tey-per ]

verb (used without object)

1. to become smaller or thinner toward one end.
2. to grow gradually lean.

verb (used with object)

1. to make gradually smaller toward one end.
2. to reduce gradually.

noun

1. gradual diminution of width or thickness in an elongated object.
2. gradual decrease of force, capacity, etc.
3. anything having a tapering form, as a spire or obelisk.
4. a candle, especially a very slender one.
5. a long wick coated with wax, tallow, or the like, as for use in lighting candles or gas.

verb phrase

1. 1. to become gradually more slender toward one end.
   2. to cease by degrees; decrease; diminish:

      The storm is beginning to taper off now.

      I haven't stopped smoking entirely, but I'm tapering off to three cigarettes a day.

taper

²

[ tey-per ]

noun

1. a person who records or edits magnetic tape, videotape, etc.

taper

/ ˈteɪpə /

verb

1. to become or cause to become narrower towards one end

   the spire tapers to a point

2. often foll by off to become or cause to become smaller or less significant

noun

1. a thin candle
2. a thin wooden or waxed strip for transferring a flame; spill
3. a narrowing
4. engineering (in conical parts) the amount of variation in the diameter per unit of length
5. any feeble source of light

Derived Forms

• ˈtaperer, noun
• ˈtapering, adjective
• ˈtaperingly, adverb

Other Words From

• ta·per·er noun
• ta·per·ing·ly adverb
• un·ta·per·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of taper¹

First recorded before 900; from Middle English: “wax candle,” from Old English, variant of tapur, dissimilated variant of unattested papur paper

Origin of taper²

First recorded in 1980–85; tape + -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of taper¹

Old English tapor, probably from Latin papӯrus papyrus (from its use as a wick)

Example Sentences

The JNF's terraforming projects have, in a sense, never stopped, even if intense and concerted human effort has tapered off in some areas since 1948.

From Salon

Under the party’s plans, all pensioners would receive a payment via a devolved benefit, though it would be tapered so that the wealthiest households received less.

From BBC

Jane would like to see the VAT introduction tapered to make it easier for families to "absorb the change", rather than introduced in the middle of the school year.

From BBC

But the pandemic and a drop in prices depressed oil revenues, and the city has passed a Climate Action Plan to taper its reliance on oil.

From Los Angeles Times

It ramps up in the weeks after birth — peaking between weeks six and 10 — and slowly tapers off over the next several months.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abate
• dwindle
• lessen
• recede
• subside
• taper off