tape
A narrow strip of material such as paper, plastic, or cloth, which is typically coated with an adhesive substance and used for binding, sealing, or attaching items together. It can also refer to a long strip of magnetic material used for recording and storing sound or video signals.
Examples
3 of 5I used some clear tape to repair the torn page in my textbook.
I used some clear tape to repair the torn page in my textbook.
The archival documents were secured using acid-free tape to prevent deterioration.
The archival documents were secured using acid-free tape to prevent deterioration.
Hey, can you pass me that roll of tape? I need to fix this poster.
Hey, can you pass me that roll of tape? I need to fix this poster.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'e' at the end of 'tape' as a long strip sticking out to help you remember the word's shape and long vowel sound.
Quick Quiz
The police had the whole crime scene blocked off with yellow caution ___.
Correct!
The correct answer is: tape
Examples
I used some clear tape to repair the torn page in my textbook.
everydayI used some clear tape to repair the torn page in my textbook.
The archival documents were secured using acid-free tape to prevent deterioration.
formalThe archival documents were secured using acid-free tape to prevent deterioration.
Hey, can you pass me that roll of tape? I need to fix this poster.
informalHey, can you pass me that roll of tape? I need to fix this poster.
The experiment required the precise application of conductive tape to the electrode surface.
academicThe experiment required the precise application of conductive tape to the electrode surface.
Our logistics team uses reinforced packing tape to ensure all international shipments remain sealed.
businessOur logistics team uses reinforced packing tape to ensure all international shipments remain sealed.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
cut through the red tape
to eliminate or bypass bureaucratic obstacles
on tape
recorded on a medium for playback
tape measure
a tool used for measuring distance or length
Often Confused With
A tap is a device for controlling the flow of liquid (faucet) or a light hit, while tape is a long strip of material.
Usage Notes
While 'tape' often refers to sticky material, in media contexts, it is increasingly used figuratively for digital recordings even if no physical magnetic tape is involved.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the pronunciation and spelling of 'tape' (/teɪp/) with 'tap' (/tæp/).
Memory Tip
Think of the 'e' at the end of 'tape' as a long strip sticking out to help you remember the word's shape and long vowel sound.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English 'tæppe', meaning a narrow strip of cloth or ribbon.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking bureaucracies, 'red tape' is a very common cultural metaphor for frustrating administrative delays.
Quick Quiz
The police had the whole crime scene blocked off with yellow caution ___.
Correct!
The correct answer is: tape
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
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