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Added 9 October 2026

rap

/ɹæp/ noun

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about rap at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A reproach for some lapse or misdeed.
he took the blame for it
A gentle blow.
The sound made by a gentle blow.

verb

Strike sharply.
rap him on the knuckles
Make light, repeated taps on a surface.
he was tapping his fingers on the table impatiently
Perform rap music.

Origin

From Middle English rap, rappe, of North Germanic origin, related to Norwegian rapp (“a blow, strike, lash”), Swedish rapp (“a blow, lash, crack”), Danish rap (“a tap, smart, blow”). Compare Old English hreppan (“to touch, treat”). More at rape.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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