Meaning & Definition of Lap in English

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"

4. A flap that lies over another part

• "The lap of the shingles should be at least ten inches"

5. Movement once around a course

• "He drove an extra lap just for insurance"

6. Touching with the tongue

• "The dog's laps were warm and wet"

1. Lie partly over or alongside of something or of one another

2. Pass the tongue over

• "The dog licked her hand"

3. Move with or cause to move with a whistling or hissing sound

• "The bubbles swoshed around in the glass"

• "The curtain swooshed open"

4. Take up with the tongue

• "The cat lapped up the milk"

• "The cub licked the milk from its mother's breast"

5. Wash or flow against

• "The waves laved the shore"