rap¹ Definition
rap (rap)
transitive verb rapped, rap′·ping
- to strike quickly and sharply; tap
- ☆ Slang to criticize sharply
Etymology: ME rappen, prob. of echoic orig.
intransitive verb
- to knock quickly and sharply
- ☆ to perform rap or a rap
- ☆ Slang to talk; chat
- ☆ Slang to talk seriously and frankly with another or others, often in an informal setting
noun
- a quick, sharp knock; tap
- ☆ Slang blame or punishment, as a prison sentence: usually in beat (or take) the rap, escape (or receive) the blame or punishment, or bum rap, unfair blame or punishment
- ☆ Slang a talking; chat
- ☆ Slang a serious, frank talk
- ☆
- a kind of popular music in which rhymed verses are chanted or declaimed to the accompaniment of forceful and repetitive rhythms, played usually on drums or synthesizers
- a rap song or recording
rap¹ Idioms
rap on the knuckles
a mild reprimand or light sentence
rap out
to say or utter sharply to rap out an order
rap² Definition
rap (rap)
noun
- in the early 18th cent., a counterfeit halfpenny in circulation in Ireland
- Informal the least bit: now usually in not care (or give) a rap, not care anything at all
Etymology: < ?
rap³ Definition
rap (rap)
transitive verb rapped or rapt, rap′·ping
- to seize
- to transport with rapture: now only in the pp.
Etymology: back-form. < rapt
rap Synonyms
rap
n.
beat the rap*
bum rap*
take the rap*
rap Synonyms
rap
v.
rap Usage Examples
Object
- knuckle: I half-expected to have my knuckles rapped by the Moderator for advertising.
- robot: Invite Cycler, the rapping recycled robot to your school.
Preposition: on
- knuckle: For all signs a financial rap on the knuckles is possible.
- door: A new decade was rapping on the door with an icy fist.
Preposition: at
door: He rapped at the door with the handle of the pistol.
Preposition: over
knuckle: I can confirm that the Chief Executive of the MHS has been asked to give his staff a rap over the knuckles.
Converse of object
- perform: He's taken to performing raps in the style of Norman Wisdom.
- take: Will takes the rap Will the creator of modern music please stand up?
Adjective modifier
- bum: I hate for them to get a bum rap like this.
- sharp: At shoulder height on the door was set a brass knocker which Andrews operated with short, sharp raps.
- bad: This has tended to give the whole IRC system a bit of a bad rap.
Modifies a noun
- superstar: On the 18th March 2002 R. Kelly teamed up with rap superstar Jay-Z to make a milestone album The Best Of Both Worlds.
- mogul: Jay Z has made the seamless transition from hip hop and rap mogul to fashion without losing any of his credibility.
- lyric: Rap lyrics offer a variety of learning opportunities for a wide range of skills.
- star: Short cuts 1 Dwain is a fan of rap star 50 Cent.
- duo: Both Kelis and rap duo Clipse are expected to stay with Arista or one of its sister labels.
- music: AOL Music: Rap Music, Hip Hop Music, Videos, Artists, Beats, Songs.. .
Noun used with modifier
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