taps
word
Definition
Devices for controlling water flow (faucets), light touches or strikes, or the act of secretly listening to phone conversations. Also a US military bugle call played at funerals.
Usage & Nuances
Very context-dependent. "Tap" as faucet is British English (Americans say "faucet"). Phone taps = wiretapping. "On tap" means readily available ("beer on tap"). Taps (the bugle call) is always capitalized and treated as singular.
Example Sentences
Turn off the taps when you're done washing your hands.
basic
I felt a few light taps on my shoulder.
basic
The bar has several craft beers on tap.
basic
The intelligence agency had been running phone taps on suspected terrorists for months.
natural
As the coffin was lowered, a lone bugler played Taps across the silent cemetery.
natural
She taps her foot impatiently whenever she's kept waiting.
natural