tapping Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun the sound of light blow or knock
   
   • he heard the tapping of the man's cane
2. verb cut a female screw thread with a tap
   tap.
   
3. verb draw from or dip into to get something
   tap.
   
   • tap one's memory
   • tap a source of money
4. verb strike lightly
   tip; tap.
   
   • He tapped me on the shoulder
5. verb draw from; make good use of
   exploit; tap.
   
   • we must exploit the resources we are given wisely
6. verb tap a telephone or telegraph wire to get information
   wiretap; intercept; tap; bug.
   
   • The FBI was tapping the phone line of the suspected spy
   • Is this hotel room bugged?
7. verb furnish with a tap or spout, so as to be able to draw liquid from it
   tap.
   
   • tap a cask of wine
8. verb make light, repeated taps on a surface
   pink; knock; tap; rap.
   
   • he was tapping his fingers on the table impatiently
9. verb walk with a tapping sound
   tap.
   
10. verb dance and make rhythmic clicking sounds by means of metal plates nailed to the sole of the dance shoes
    tap; tapdance.
    
    • Glover tapdances better than anybody
11. verb draw (liquor) from a tap
    tap.
    
    • tap beer in a bar
12. verb pierce in order to draw a liquid from
    tap.
    
    • tap a maple tree for its syrup
    • tap a keg of beer
13. verb make a solicitation or entreaty for something; request urgently or persistently
    tap; beg; solicit.
    
    • Henry IV solicited the Pope for a divorce
    • My neighbor keeps soliciting money for different charities

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