What does 'lap' mean?

/læp/
[ AWN maï LÈP ]
🔊 Hear it

Definition

Meaning: Lap (noun) refers to the flat area formed by your thighs when you are sitting down. It is the space between your waist and knees where you can hold or support something or someone.

La signification: Lap désignent la zone plate située entre la taille et les genoux d'une personne assise.

Example: "The child sat on her mother’s lap during the story."

Grammar: Noun, countable. Commonly used with the preposition "on" (sit on my lap).

Quote: "There's no better feeling in the world than a warm pizza box on your lap." [Kevin James]

N.B.: "Lap" can also refer to a single circuit of a race track, but in our context now, it is a part of the body. In French, it is often translated as "genoux" (when sitting), "sur les genoux" (on the lap). In my lap can sometimes be used, but it is much less common and usually refers to something being cradled or enclosed by your lap, often if your arms or clothing are also involved in holding it. And now you know why a portable computer is called a laptop computer.

Word Analysis

Français
»» Cuisses (quand on est assis)
»» Sur les genoux
»» Sur les cuisses
»» Ⓐ L’enfant s’est assis sur les genoux de sa mère.
»» Ⓑ Le chat dort sur mes genoux.

English
»» On my lap
»» In your lap
»» Ⓐ The dog jumped onto his owner's lap.
»» Ⓑ She balanced the laptop on her lap.
         

Dialogue

Sam: "Can I put my bag on your lap for a moment?"
Jordan: "Sure, but just for a minute. My cat already thinks my lap belongs to her!"
Sam: "By the way, have you ever been to a club where they offer a lap dance?"
Jordan: "Once, out of curiosity. It was definitely an interesting experience!"
         

Poem Extract

Snow in August, by Catherine Stearns

With a flick
of her wrist, she broke
the chicken's neck
and set it on her lap
where my sister's head
had just been. Over
her bare knees dangled
waxy yellow bird feet,
while the white feathers
she began to pluck
fell all around us.

The full poem

Etymology

Origin: Lap comes from Old English "læppa," meaning "the front of the skirt or fold of a garment." Over time, it came to refer to the area between the waist and knees when sitting.

Modern Usage: Today, "lap" is widely used to describe the part of the body formed when sitting, and is also used in expressions like "sit on my lap" or "laptop." Note: "Lap" also has other meanings, such as a circuit in a race.

Grammar Note: Lap is a countable noun. Example: "He placed the gift on his daughter's lap."

Audience

Lap is used in everyday conversation, storytelling, and descriptive writing. It is relevant for learners of all ages, especially in family, childcare, and pet contexts, as well as in business English when discussing "laptops."

When to use: Use lap to describe the area formed when sitting, or in expressions like "sit on my lap," "cat on your lap," or "laptop." Example: "The child fell asleep on her grandmother’s lap."

Extra! Extra!

For a fun and visual look at our word of the day, watch the following…

How to pronounce 'lap'

Cat on my lap

WordReference

For more on our word of the day and its usage, visit WordReference for definitions, translations, and examples in context.

Here are some quick links for further exploration:
» English⇄English – Discuss and learn about words and their usage.
» English⇄French – Explore translations and linguistic nuances.
» Synonyms⇄Antonyms – Contextual variations, etc.

Word of the Day

Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "lap"

In someone's lap
Resting or lying on the area formed by the upper thighs of a seated person.

Example: "The cat curled up in her lap."


Land in your lap
To receive something unexpectedly, without effort.

Example: "The opportunity landed in his lap."


On your lap
Placed or resting on your thighs while sitting.

Example: "She balanced the book on her lap."


Lap dance
A type of dance performed by a dancer sitting on or close to a seated person, usually in a club.

Example: "He was surprised when the club offered him a lap dance."


In the lap of luxury
Living in very comfortable and expensive conditions.

Example: "They spent their holiday in the lap of luxury."


In your lap (responsibility)
When a responsibility or problem is given to you.

Example: "The project was dropped in my lap at the last minute."

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