rap (1) definition - Dictionary

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rap (1)

rap [ rap ]

verb (past and past participle rapped, present participle rap·ping, 3rd person present singular raps)

Definition:

1. transitive and intransitive verb hit somebody or something sharply: to strike somebody or something with a quick sharp blow

The teacher rapped on the desk to get the students' attention.

2. transitive verb rebuke somebody: to criticize or rebuke somebody harshly

3. transitive verb say something quickly: to say something in a quick sharp way

The sergeant rapped out an order.

4. intransitive verb perform music with spoken rhythmic vocals: to speak in verse using rhythm and rhyme over music with a strong beat, usually hip hop

5. intransitive verb U.S. talk informally: to have an informal talk or discussion ( slang )

We rapped till dawn.

noun (plural raps)

Definition:

1. sharp blow: a quick sharp blow

2. sound of knocking: a quick sharp knocking sound

3. popular music with spoken rhythmic vocals: a vocal style in which performers use rhythm and rhyme to speak in verse over music with a strong beat, usually hip hop. Rap developed from African American hip hop music and culture in the 1970s.

4. rebuke: a harsh criticism or rebuke ( slang )

5. criminal charge: a criminal charge brought against somebody ( slang )

6. jail sentence: a jail sentence given to somebody found guilty of a crime ( slang )

7. U.S. somebody or something negative: somebody or something thought of as negative or unfortunate ( slang )

You got a bum rap this time.

8. U.S. informal talk: an informal talk or discussion ( slang )

[13th century. < ?]

beat the rap to avoid conviction on a charge (slang)

not give a rap U.S. to not care at all (informal)

a rap on or over the knuckles a sharp rebuke (informal)

They were given a rap over the knuckles for failing to tell him.

rap somebody on or over the knuckles to rebuke somebody sharply (informal)

take the rap (for something) to take the blame or punishment for something, whether or not it was your fault (slang)

Spelling Note


	rap or wrap? Do not confuse the spelling of rap and wrap, which sound similar. Rap is a verb or noun referring to a sharp blow or sound, an informal talk, or a type of popular music with spoken rhyming vocals, as in to rap on the door, a rap singer. Rap is also used in some fixed phrases: I don't give a rap. She took the rap for his mistake. Wrap is a verb meaning "cover, wind, envelop, engross" (as in to wrap up a parcel, wrapped in thought) or a noun meaning "shawl, cloak, or similar garment," "filled tortilla sandwich," or "completion of filming." Wrap is also used in the fixed phrase keep under wraps, meaning "keep secret."