rap

A song or verse whose words are spoken rhythmically, usually over a musical beat.

• She wrote a rap about school.
• He performed a rap at the concert.
• Their raps tell stories about city life.

Common phrases: write a rap, perform a rap, rap verse

Blame or punishment that someone receives for doing something wrong.

• I will not take the rap.
• He took the rap for his brother.
• She beat the rap when new evidence appeared.

How to use it: take the rap for something (He took the rap for the missing money.)

Similar words: blame, punishment

Common phrases: take the rap, beat the rap, rap for something

A quick, sharp knock or hit with something hard.

• I heard a rap on the door.
• She gave the desk a sharp rap.
• Three quick raps woke him.

How to use it: rap on something (A rap on the window caught her attention.)

Similar words: knock, tap

Common phrases: rap on something, sharp rap, a quick rap

A judgment about someone or something, especially an unfair negative one.

• The town gets a bad rap.
• This restaurant has an unfair rap for poor service.
• Small cars deserve a better rap than they get.

Similar words: reputation, assessment

Common phrases: bad rap, get a rap, unfair rap

To speak song words in a rhythmic way, usually over a musical beat.

• He loves to rap.
• She rapped about life in her neighbourhood.
• They took turns rapping over the beat.

How to use it: rap about something (He raps about his childhood.); rap over something (She rapped over a slow beat.)

Common phrases: rap a verse, rap about something, rap over something

To hit something quickly and sharply, especially with your knuckles.

• She rapped on the door.
• He rapped the desk with his knuckles.
• Someone was rapping loudly at the window.

How to use it: rap on/at something (She rapped twice on the window.); rap something with something (He rapped the table with a wooden stick.)

Similar words: knock, tap

Common phrases: rap on something, rap the door, rap with something

To say words quickly in a sharp, firm voice.

• The officer rapped out an order.
• She rapped out his name sharply.
• He rapped out instructions as the soldiers assembled.

How to use it: rap out something (The guard rapped out a warning.)

Similar words: bark, snap

Common phrases: rap out orders, rap out something