Pronunciation: /læp/

Definitions of lap

noun one circuit of a track or racecourse

Example Sentences

A1 The cat sat on my lap.

A2 She placed the book on her lap while reading.

B1 He gently patted the baby's back as it lay on his lap.

B2 She balanced the laptop on her lap as she worked.

C1 The child nestled comfortably in his grandmother's lap.

C2 The musician's fingers danced across the piano keys in his lap.

verb to take up (liquid) with the tongue

Example Sentences

A1 The cat likes to lap up milk from a bowl.

A2 She lapped the ice cream before it melted.

B1 The dog eagerly lapped at the water in the bowl.

B2 He lapped his opponent in the final lap of the race.

C1 The waves lapped gently against the shore as the sun set.

C2 She expertly lapped the competition in the championship race.

Examples of lap in a Sentence

formal She placed the book on her lap and began reading.

informal I like to snuggle with my cat on the couch and let her sit on my lap.

slang I can't believe he let that secret slip, he totally lapped it up.

figurative The team lapped their competitors in the final stretch of the race.

Grammatical Forms of lap

past tense

lapped

plural

laps

comparative

lappier

superlative

lappest

present tense

lap

future tense

will lap

perfect tense

have lapped

continuous tense

is lapping

singular

lap

positive degree

lap

infinitive

to lap

gerund

lapping

participle

lapped

Origin and Evolution of lap

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'lap' originated from Middle English 'lappe' which meant the loose part of a garment that can be folded over. It is believed to have roots in Old English 'læppa' meaning 'skirt or flap'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'lap' evolved to also refer to the upper part of the thighs when sitting down, as well as the act of gently patting or cuddling someone or something with the hand. The word has also been used in various idiomatic expressions and phrases.