as in overlap
a partial covering of one thing by an adjoining member
the lapping of the roofing shingles should be several inches in order to avoid leaks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
2
as in splashing
to flow in a broken irregular stream
the creek lapped along through the ravine before collecting in the pond
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in overlapping
to lie over parts of one another
the armadillo's plates lap tightly so as to form a protective shield
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in wrapping
to surround or cover closely
this recording of the symphony is sure to lap listeners in stereophonic bliss
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples 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 lapping
Scott Phillips, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Tracking shots through vast mansions, majestic overhead shots of the stag hunt and water lapping at the camera lens as a French galley slowly sinks into the ocean serve to immerse the audience in the film’s 19th century European world.
—Scott Phillips, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Hawk quickly starts lapping up the dribbles — becoming the adult milk drinker.
—Allison P. Davis, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024
Hawk quickly starts lapping up the dribbles — becoming the adult milk drinker.
—Allison P. Davis, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024
Now picture a rink right on the beach, built right into the sand, with the iconic Ferris wheel and the Pacific waves lapping on the shore a slap shot away.
—Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Now picture a rink right on the beach, built right into the sand, with the iconic Ferris wheel and the Pacific waves lapping on the shore a slap shot away.
—Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Now picture a rink right on the beach, built right into the sand, with the iconic Ferris wheel and the Pacific waves lapping on the shore a slap shot away.
—Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Now picture a rink right on the beach, built right into the sand, with the iconic Ferris wheel and the Pacific waves lapping on the shore a slap shot away.
—Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
Tracking shots through vast mansions, majestic overhead shots of the stag hunt and water lapping at the camera lens as a French galley slowly sinks into the ocean serve to immerse the audience in the film’s 19th century European world.
—Scott Phillips, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Tracking shots through vast mansions, majestic overhead shots of the stag hunt and water lapping at the camera lens as a French galley slowly sinks into the ocean serve to immerse the audience in the film’s 19th century European world.
—Scott Phillips, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Hawk quickly starts lapping up the dribbles — becoming the adult milk drinker.
—Allison P. Davis, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024
Hawk quickly starts lapping up the dribbles — becoming the adult milk drinker.
—Allison P. Davis, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024
Now picture a rink right on the beach, built right into the sand, with the iconic Ferris wheel and the Pacific waves lapping on the shore a slap shot away.
—Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Now picture a rink right on the beach, built right into the sand, with the iconic Ferris wheel and the Pacific waves lapping on the shore a slap shot away.
—Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Now picture a rink right on the beach, built right into the sand, with the iconic Ferris wheel and the Pacific waves lapping on the shore a slap shot away.
—Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Now picture a rink right on the beach, built right into the sand, with the iconic Ferris wheel and the Pacific waves lapping on the shore a slap shot away.
—Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near lapping
Cite this Entry
“Lapping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lapping. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share