Nap — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈnap/

Meaning & Definition of Nap

Nap (verb)

  1. to sleep briefly especially during the day, doze
  2. to be off guard
  3. to raise a nap on (fabric or leather)
  4. to pick or single out in a nap

Nap (noun)

  1. a short sleep especially during the day, snooze
  2. a hairy, fuzzy, or downy surface (as on a fabric)
  3. a pick or recommendation as a good bet to win a contest (such as a horse race); also, one named in a nap

Nap (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a short sleep

    "so tired that she needed to take a refreshing nap before soccer practice"

    similar: catnap, doze, drowse, forty winks, kip (chiefly British), siesta, snooze, wink
    related: repose, rest, slumber, bed

  2. a soft airy substance or covering

    "high-quality suede has a good, even nap"

    similar: down, floss, fluff, fur, fuzz, lint, pile
    related: batting

Nap (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to sleep lightly or briefly

    "decided to let the kids nap for a few more minutes before waking them"

    similar: catnap, doze, drowse, kip (British), slumber, snooze
    related: relax, repose, rest, couch, lay, lie, roost, lull
    near: arise, arouse, awake, awaken, get up, rise, rouse, uprise, wake (up), waken

  2. to be in a state of sleep

    "I'm just going to nap the entire afternoon"

    similar: catnap, doze, rest, sleep, slumber, snooze
    related: drop off, drowse (off), nod off, oversleep, sleep in, dream, hibernate
    near: arise, arouse, awake, rise, wake

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Nap

The most common words with a similar meaning to Nap:

Chiefly British: kip
British: kip
catnap, doze, drowse, forty winks, siesta, snooze, wink, down, floss, fluff, fur, fuzz, lint, pile, slumber, rest, sleep

Related Words for Nap

repose, bed, batting, relax, couch, lay, lie, roost, lull, drop off, drowse (off), nod off, oversleep, sleep in, dream, hibernate

Near Antonyms of Nap

arise, arouse, awake, awaken, get up, rise, rouse, uprise, wake (up), waken, wake

Word Forms of Nap

Inflections: napped, napping

Derived words: napless (adjective), napped (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Nap

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

First known use: before 12th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Nap

What does "Nap" mean?

"Nap" means to sleep briefly especially during the day, doze. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to sleep briefly especially during the day, doze. It has 4 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Nap"?

Other words for "Nap" include catnap, doze, drowse, forty winks, kip, siesta, snooze and wink. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Nap" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Nap"?

There are 34 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Nap". Common alternatives include catnap, doze, drowse, forty winks, kip, siesta, snooze, wink, down and floss.

How do you use "Nap" in a sentence?

Examples of "Nap" in a sentence: "so tired that she needed to take a refreshing nap before soccer practice"; "high-quality suede has a good, even nap"; "decided to let the kids nap for a few more minutes before waking them".

Is "Nap" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Nap" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Nap"?

"Nap" is pronounced /ˈnap/.

What is the origin of the word "Nap"?

"Nap" comes from Middle English nappen, from Old English hnappian; akin to Old High German hnaffezen to doze. First known use: before 12th century.

What is another word for "Nap" meaning "a short sleep"?

When "Nap" (noun) means a short sleep, synonyms include catnap, doze, drowse, forty winks, kip and siesta.