Hap

/hæp/

Meaning & Definition

noun
Chance, fortune, or luck.
By hap, they won the lottery on their first try.
An event or occurrence occurring by chance.
It was pure hap that led them to discover the hidden cave.
verb
To happen or occur.
It just so hap that I found the lost keys right before leaving.
To chance or come about.
He hap to meet an old friend while traveling abroad.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old Norse 'happ', meaning 'occurrence or event'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

hapless:
Unfortunate or unlucky.
by happenstance:
By chance or coincidence.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

A lucky break or opportunity.
That promotion was a real hap for him!
A random occurrence that's fortunate.
Winning the raffle was a big hap.