Phrase guide

lap up

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To consume by lapping; to drink (something) quickly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • The cat's lapping up the milk in its bowl

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To revel in, to overtly enjoy.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, transitive

Examples

  • You could see she was pleased, she was lapping up the applause.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

take up with the tongue

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The cat lapped up the milk
  • the cub licked the milk from its mother's breast

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: lap, lick

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: drink, imbibe

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.