lapping 1 of 3

as in overlap
a partial covering of one thing by an adjoining member the lapping of the roofing shingles should be several inches in order to avoid leaks

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lapping

2 of 3

verb (1)

present participle of lap
1
as in washing
to flow along or against the waves gently lapped the sandy shore

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2
3
as in rippling
to move with a splashing motion a stiff breeze that was causing the lake waters to lap against the hull with some force

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lapping

3 of 3

verb (2)

present participle of lap

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lapping
Verb
Where Robertson is getting involved has also changed, with more possession in the half-space channels due to Slot’s preference for his full-backs to make under-lapping runs rather than staying out on the touchline. James Pearce, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 Adjacent neighborhoods in that area, as well as those west of the Turnpike and south of Plantation, could have sea water lapping into backyards on normal high tides. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025 Adjacent neighborhoods in that area, as well as those west of the Turnpike and south of Plantation, could have sea water lapping into backyards on normal high tides. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025 Where Robertson is getting involved has also changed, with more possession in the half-space channels due to Slot’s preference for his full-backs to make under-lapping runs rather than staying out on the touchline. James Pearce, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 General manager Ryan Poles and coach Ben Johnson were lapping it all up, too, drawn to Jarrett’s contagious positive energy. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025 General manager Ryan Poles and coach Ben Johnson were lapping it all up, too, drawn to Jarrett’s contagious positive energy. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025 General manager Ryan Poles and coach Ben Johnson were lapping it all up, too, drawn to Jarrett’s contagious positive energy. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025 General manager Ryan Poles and coach Ben Johnson were lapping it all up, too, drawn to Jarrett’s contagious positive energy. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025

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“Lapping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lapping. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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