tap out

verb

tapped out; tapping out; taps out

intransitive verb

: to run out of money by betting

Examples of tap out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In one study, researchers had participants tap out the tune to a popular song. — Tommy Blanchard, The Conversation, 13 May 2026 Ashcraft tapped out before being ordered to dig a grave, get inside a body bag, and consider his eulogy as instructors piled dirt on top of him. — Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026 Freelance writing also favors early birds, who use those quiet morning hours to tap out stories about everything from medicine to business. — Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026 Fans rallied behind O’Reilly to get to the rope as Mox took control, but O’Reilly ultimately tapped out. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for tap out

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tap out was in 1939

Rhymes for tap out

See All Rhymes for tap out

Browse Nearby Words

Taposa
tap out
tappa
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tap out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tap%20out. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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