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

"It is dependent on good weather, neap tides and flight permits," Mr Mearns said.

From BBC

The neap tide swept us southward, pulling us past the Cape.

From Washington Post

The students then had to interpret the graph and answer questions like “On what range of days were there neap tides in this month?”

From US News

In crossing, I found a most rapid tide, at least five or six knots at neap tides, and to pull against it was out of the question.

From Project Gutenberg

It would not measure more than a league in length, but its breadth varied wonderfully, according as it was seen at high or low water, at spring tide or neap tide.

From Project Gutenberg