tape

Definition

Flexible material in a roll with a sticky surface on one or both sides; adhesive tape.

Etymology

From Middle English tape, tappe, from Old English tæppa, tæppe (“ribbon, tape”); further origin unclear. Probably akin to Old Frisian tapia (“to pull, rip, tear”), Middle Low German tappen, tāpen (“to grab, pull, rip, tear, snatch”), Middle High German zāfen, zāven (“to pull, tear”).

Example Sentences

• "Hand me some tape. I need to fix a tear in this paper."
• "I sealed up the box with clear shipping tape."
• "We made some decorative flowers out of the tape we bought."