Tamp

/tamp/

Meaning & Definition

noun
a tool or device used for tamping.
The barista grabbed the tamp to compress the espresso grounds before brewing.
verb
to pack down or compress (something) by gently tapping or pushing.
She used a wooden stick to tamp down the coffee grounds in the filter.
to fill a hole or cavity with earth or other material in order to make it solid.
The workers needed to tamp the soil around the post to ensure it would not move.
to drive down or pack closely together.
He tamped the snow down to make a solid base for the snowman.

Etymology

Derived from the Middle English word 'tampe', meaning to pack down.

Common Phrases and Expressions

tamp down
To suppress or reduce something, such as feelings or intensity.
tamp the soil
To compact the soil for stability.

Related Words

compress
To reduce in size by pressing or squeezing.
pack
To fill a container tightly with items.

Slang Meanings

To fill something up quickly.
He just tamped his backpack full before heading out.