taps

[ taps ]

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.

taps

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of taps¹

1815–25, Americanism; probably tap(too) , variant of tattoo ¹ + -s ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of taps¹

C19: from tap ¹

Example Sentences

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power will later pump the water from wells, and after additional testing and treatment, the water will enter pipes and be delivered to taps.

From Los Angeles Times

This is how he gaslights routinely in politics, rarely engaging directly with the right-wing mythologies he taps into, but freely improvising his own fantasy extensions.

From Salon

It is Columbo’s persistence and continued presence that Lawson taps into.

From Los Angeles Times

Fans are drawn to the Sniffers’ sound and attitude, which taps into the rowdy spirit of first-generation punk rock, along with a feisty, euphoric blond singer moving nonstop and usually dressed in a bikini top and shorts.

From Los Angeles Times

The Chargers’ $262-million man is so valuable that Harbaugh has banned him from giving high-fives or celebratory helmet taps with his throwing hand.

From Los Angeles Times