lap meaning and definition

LAP noun

Definition of lap (noun)

1. the upper side of the thighs of a seated person
   • "he picked up the little girl and plopped her down in his lap"
2. an area of control or responsibility
   • "the job fell right in my lap"
3. the part of a piece of clothing that covers the thighs
   • "his lap was covered with food stains"
   • synonyms: lap covering
4. a flap that lies over another part
   • "the lap of the shingles should be at least ten inches"
   • synonyms: overlap
5. movement once around a course
   • "he drove an extra lap just for insurance"
   • synonyms: circle, circuit
6. touching with the tongue
   • "the dog's laps were warm and wet"
   • synonyms: lick

LAP verb

Definition of lap (verb)

1. lie partly over or alongside of something or of one another
2. pass the tongue over
   • "the dog licked her hand"
   • synonyms: lick
3. move with or cause to move with a whistling or hissing sound
   • "The bubbles swoshed around in the glass"; "The curtain swooshed open"
   • synonyms: swish, swoosh, swosh
4. take up with the tongue
   • "The cat lapped up the milk"; "the cub licked the milk from its mother's breast"
   • synonyms: lap up, lick
5. wash or flow against
   • "the waves laved the shore"
   • synonyms: lave, wash