laps 1 of 3

Definition of lapsnext
plural of lap
as in legs
a portion of a trip we were on the last lap of the journey, eagerly heading for home

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laps

2 of 3

verb (1)

present tense third-person singular of lap
1
as in washes
to flow along or against the waves gently lapped the sandy shore

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2
3
as in ripples
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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laps

3 of 3

verb (2)

present tense third-person singular of lap

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 laps
Noun
In the last 10 races there, Logano has led the most laps of anyone. Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026 The Tennessee Titans went with wide receiver Carnell Tate, the first Buckeyes player off the board, and Reese fell into their laps. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026 Hamlin led a race-high 131 laps and appeared poised for victory with just two laps remaining. Ryan Brennan april 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026 With two laps to go, he was positioned to win. Ryan Brennan april 22, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2026 The jogathon was organized with help from the fifth grade leadership team and students collected pledges and took to the track to log their laps to raise dollars. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026 The first 45 laps were caution-free as Rosenqvist, Palou, Kirkwood, David Malukas and O’Ward held the top five spots. Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026 Its size is particularly noticeable on sea days, and better for quick dips than doing laps. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026 Then there's vigorous physical activity, which includes running, swimming laps and playing basketball. Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
Hammond High didn’t have a track, so afternoon workouts were done at a track at a nearby junior high or laps around a 3/4-mile loop at Maywood Park. Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026 Theo Ratliff walked laps around the building with his family. Tony Jones, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026 Advertisement But objectively, Carter still laps Trump on some key measures. Philip Elliott, Time, 26 Mar. 2026 The sparkling Colorado River now laps at the Glen Canyon walls about 180 feet below, completely invisible from a dock that once floated atop the water. Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026 Sorry, dudes, the ladies ran laps around you tonight. José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 2 Mar. 2026 A couple of us swim laps in an outdoor pool, no matter the weather. Lisa Jhung, Outside, 24 Feb. 2026 Reddick fell two laps down for repairs but came roaring back from 27th for his 10th career victory. CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026 Expect countless laps around the 45-meter saltwater stretch, always heated to a comfortable temperature and lined with more loungers than hotel guests. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laps
legs
Noun
  • Over the course of two semi-final first legs, VAR’s conviction has been less than convincing.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The second legs are next Thursday and the final is in Istanbul on May 20.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Laps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laps. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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