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, probably tap(too) , variant of tattoo ¹ + -s ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of taps¹

C19: from _tap ¹

Example Sentences

Beijing restricting access to key Chinese markets, or closing the taps on rare-earth elements, would reverse that rather swiftly.

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When someone taps an app or clicks a link, their device is essentially sending a request to be connected to that service.

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The biofuel industry also taps animal fats and agricultural waste.

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In the bathrooms and laundry on the third floor, barely a trickle of water came out the taps because of a lack of pressure.

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The biofuel industry also taps a variety of other feedstocks such as animal fats and agricultural waste.

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