lap 1 of 3

Definition of lapnext
as in leg
a portion of a trip we were on the last lap of the journey, eagerly heading for home

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lap

2 of 3

verb (1)

1
as in to wash
to flow along or against the waves gently lapped the sandy shore

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2
as in to splash
to flow in a broken irregular stream the creek lapped along through the ravine before collecting in the pond

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3
as in to ripple
to move with a splashing motion a stiff breeze that was causing the lake waters to lap against the hull with some force

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lap

3 of 3

verb (2)

1
as in to overlap
to lie over parts of one another the armadillo's plates lap tightly so as to form a protective shield

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2

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lap
Noun
Even so, Chopra Jonas keeps a black wool overcoat draped across her lap. Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026 When the lights go out and the sound of 20 engines thundering to life cuts through the crowd’s silent anticipation, all eyes in the grandstands will fix on the race for 56 laps. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
Standing up from the couch several times, marching in place during TV breaks or walking laps around your living space can gently raise your heart rate, according to Mount Sinai Health System. Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 23 Jan. 2026 While the Palisades Fire lapped at the edge of UCLA, the Eaton Fire, on the east side of town, came dangerously close to Caltech. Katharine Gammon, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lap
leg
Noun
  • Doncic turned to run back up the court and grabbed the back of his left leg.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Hawks defenseman Wyatt Kaiser was injured and helped off the ice after Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski — who opened the scoring and the Columbus cannon firing — fell on his leg.
    Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lap. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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