soap

1 of 2

noun

ˈsōp 

1

a

: a cleansing and emulsifying agent made usually by action of alkali on fat or fatty acids and consisting essentially of sodium or potassium salts of such acids

b

: a salt of a fatty acid and a metal

2

: soap opera

soap

2 of 2

verb

soaped; soaping; soaps

transitive verb

1

: to rub soap over or into

2

: flatter

Synonyms

Noun

• cleaner
• cleanser
• detergent

Examples of soap in a Sentence

Noun

Make sure you use soap and water to wash your hands.

The store sells many different brands of liquid soaps.

Her first acting job was on a soap.

Verb

I soap my hair first when I take a shower.

He soaped and rinsed the car.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Boeing overcharged the Air Force nearly $1 million for spare parts on C-17 cargo planes, including an 8,000% markup for simple lavatory soap dispensers, according to the Pentagon’s inspector general. —Tara Copp, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024

Often, vinegar, mild soaps, baking soda, or even hot water can be sufficient for cleaning, although these won't disinfect. —Kashif J. Piracha, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024

Verb

Those ranged from soaping windows to fires and destruction of property, according to the State Historical Society of Iowa. —Bychris Morris, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2024

Drivers soaped and rubbed down their cars and trucks, apparently unaware of the tragedy that had taken place less than 12 hours before. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English sope, from Old English sāpe; akin to Old High German seifa soap

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing soap

• bar soap
• castile soap
• green soap
• saddle soap
• soap bubble
• soap opera
• soap plant
• soap powder
• soft soap
• toilet soap

Kids Definition

soap

1 of 2 noun

ˈsōp 

1

: a substance that is usually made by the action of alkali on fat, dissolves in water, and is used for washing

2

: a salt of a fatty acid

3

: soap opera

soap

2 of 2 verb

: to rub soap over or into

Medical Definition

soap

noun

ˈsōp 

1

: a cleansing and emulsifying agent made usually by action of alkali on fat or fatty acids and consisting essentially of sodium or potassium salts of such acids

2

: a salt of a fatty acid and a metal