rap (raps plural & 3rd person present) (rapping present participle) (rapped past tense & past participle )
1 n-uncount Rap is a type of music in which the words are not sung but are spoken in a rapid, rhythmic way.
oft N n
Her favorite music was by Run DMC, a rap group.
2 verb Someone who raps performs rap music.
...the unexpected pleasure of hearing the Kids not only rap but even sing... V
3 n-count A rap is a piece of music performed in rap style, or the words that are used in it.
Every member contributes to the rap, singing either solo or as part of a rap chorus.
4 verb If you rapon something or rap it, you hit it with a series of quick blows.
Mary Ann turned and rapped on Simon's door. V on n
...rapping the glass with the knuckles of his right hand... V n
A guard raps his stick on a metal hand rail. V n on n
Rap is also a noun., n-count usu N on n
There was a sharp rap on the door.
5 n-count A rap is a statement in a court of law that someone has committed a particular crime, or the punishment for committing it.
(AM)
INFORMAL oft adj N for n/-ing
You'll be facing a Federal rap for aiding and abetting an escaped convict.
6 n-count A rap is an act of criticizing or blaming someone. (JOURNALISM) usu sing
FA chiefs could still face a rap and a possible fine...
7 verb If you rap someone for something, you criticize or blame them for it. (JOURNALISM)
Water industry chiefs were rapped yesterday for failing their customers... V n for/over n
8 n-sing Therap about someone or something is their reputation, often a bad reputation which they do not deserve.
(AM)
INFORMAL usu with supp
The rap on this guy is that he doesn't really care...
9 If someone in authority raps your knuckles or raps you on the knuckles, they criticize you or blame you for doing something they think is wrong. (JOURNALISM)
rap sb's knuckles, rap sb on/over the knuckles phrase V inflects
I joined the workers on strike and was rapped over the knuckles...
10 If someone in authority gives you a rap on the knuckles, they criticize you or blame you for doing something they think is wrong. (JOURNALISM)
a rap on/over the knuckles phrase PHR after v
The remark earned him a rap on the knuckles...
11 If you take the rap, you are blamed or punished for something, especially something that is not your fault or for which other people are equally guilty.
INFORMAL
take the rap phrase V inflects
When the client was murdered, his wife took the rap, but did she really do it?