1 nap | Definition of nap

nap

verb (1)
\ ˈnap How to pronounce nap (audio) \
napped; napping

Definition of nap

 (Entry 1 of 6)

intransitive verb

1 : to sleep briefly especially during the day : doze
2 : to be off guard

nap

noun (1)

Definition of nap (Entry 2 of 6)

: a short sleep especially during the day : snooze

nap

noun (2)

Definition of nap (Entry 3 of 6)

: a hairy, fuzzy, or downy surface (as on a fabric)

nap

verb (2)
napped; napping

Definition of nap (Entry 4 of 6)

transitive verb

: to raise a nap on (fabric or leather)

nap

noun (3)

Definition of nap (Entry 5 of 6)

British
: a pick or recommendation as a good bet to win a contest (such as a horse race) also : one named in a nap

nap

verb (3)
napped; napping

Definition of nap (Entry 6 of 6)

transitive verb

British
: to pick or single out in a nap

Other Words from nap

Noun (2)

napless \ ˈnap-​lÉ™s How to pronounce napless (audio) \ adjective
napped \ ˈnapt How to pronounce napped (audio) \ adjective

First Known Use of nap

Verb (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1608, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1895, in the meaning defined above

Verb (3)

1927, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for nap

Verb (1)

Middle English nappen, from Old English hnappian; akin to Old High German hnaffezen to doze

Noun (2)

Middle English noppe, from Middle Dutch, flock of wool, nap

Noun (3)

from to go nap (to make all the points in the card game Napoleon)

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for nap

nap

noun
\ ˈnap How to pronounce nap (audio) \

Kids Definition of nap

 (Entry 1 of 3)

: a short sleep especially during the day

nap

verb
napped; napping

Kids Definition of nap (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : to sleep briefly especially during the day
2 : to be unprepared When the ball came to her, she was caught napping.

nap

noun

Kids Definition of nap (Entry 3 of 3)

: a hairy or fluffy surface (as on cloth)

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on nap

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with nap

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for nap

Spanish Central: Translation of nap

Nglish: Translation of nap for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of nap for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nap