Rap Word Meaning

Middle English (originally in the senses ‘severe blow with a weapon’ and ‘deliver a heavy blow’): probably imitative and of Scandinavian origin; compare with Swedish rappa ‘beat, drub’, also with clap and flap

strike (a hard surface) with a series of rapid audible blows, especially in order to attract attention

strike hard surface with series of rapid audible blows

• he stood up and rapped the table
• she rapped on the window

perform rap music

perform rap music

• he raps under the name of Mr T

talk or chat in an easy and familiar manner

talk or chat in easy and familiar manner

• we could be here all night rapping about the finer points of spiritualism

a quick, sharp knock or blow

quick, sharp knock or blow

• there was a confident rap at the door

a type of popular music of US black origin in which words are recited rapidly and rhythmically over an instrumental backing

type of popular music in which words are recited over instrumental backing

• the label specializes in rap and modern soul
• rap artists

a lengthy or impromptu conversation

lengthy or impromptu conversation

• dropping in after work for a rap over a beer

a criminal charge, especially of a specified kind

criminal charge

• he's just been acquitted on a murder rap

a person's reputation, typically a bad one

person's reputation

• there's no reason why drag queens should get a bad rap