OpenSynonym

nap

/næp/

NOUN

1. A short period of sleep

A brief period of sleep, especially during the daytime, usually taken to rest or regain energy.

1.1. Brief daytime sleep

A short period of sleep taken during the day, often to recover from tiredness or refresh oneself.

Synonyms

  • catnap
  • snooze
  • doze
  • siesta
  • forty winks
  • shut-eye
  • kip
  • microsleep

Antonyms

Examples

  • The baby took a peaceful nap in the afternoon sunlight.
  • After a long day at work, he decided to take a quick power nap.
  • She closed her eyes and enjoyed a refreshing catnap.

Related Words

  • slumber
  • rest
  • sleep
  • drowse
  • power nap

NOUN

2. A soft or fuzzy surface

A soft, raised layer of short fibers, hairs, or fuzz covering the surface of fabric, leather, or another material.

2.1. Soft raised fibers on fabric or leather

The fine, fuzzy surface formed by short fibers or hairs projecting from a material, giving it a soft texture.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • smoothness
  • flatness

Examples

  • The velvet fabric had a soft nap that felt pleasant to the touch.
  • The leather developed a fine nap after being brushed.
  • The coat's thick nap gave it a warm and luxurious appearance.

Related Words

  • texture
  • velvet
  • plush
  • fleece
  • surface

2.2. Direction of fabric fibers

The common direction in which the raised fibers or hairs of certain fabrics lie, affecting their appearance and texture.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The tailor cut the velvet with the nap running in the same direction.
  • The fabric looked darker when viewed against the nap.
  • Always check the nap before cutting corduroy or velvet.

Related Words

NOUN

3. A horse-racing bet based on an expert's selection

A type of bet in British horse racing placed on a horse considered by a racing expert to be the best selection.

3.1. Expert's best horse-racing selection

A recommended horse or betting selection regarded as the strongest choice by a racing tipster or expert.

Synonyms

  • tip
  • selection
  • best bet

Examples

  • The racing newspaper published its nap for the afternoon meeting.
  • The expert's nap won the opening race.
  • Punters followed the tipster's nap in the hope of a profitable result.

Related Words

NOUN

4. A card game or a bid in Napoleon

A card game in which players compete to win tricks, or a declaration by a player undertaking to win five tricks in that game.

4.1. Card game known as Napoleon

A trick-taking card game commonly known as Napoleon, in which players compete to win a specified number of tricks.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The family spent the evening playing Nap around the dining table.
  • Napoleon, often shortened to Nap, was a popular card game in the group.

Related Words

  • card game
  • trick-taking game
  • playing cards
  • whist

4.2. A bid to win five tricks

A declaration in the card game Napoleon in which a player undertakes to win five tricks.

Synonyms

  • five-trick bid
  • Napoleon bid

Examples

  • He declared Nap, promising to take five tricks.
  • Her confident Nap bid surprised the other players.

Related Words

NOUN

5. A cup or bowl

A dialectal term, particularly in Northern England and Scotland, for a cup or bowl.

5.1. Drinking or serving vessel

A regional or dialectal word referring to a cup or bowl used for holding liquids or food.

Synonyms

  • cup
  • bowl

Examples

  • He asked for a nap of milk.
  • The old dialect used nap to refer to a small bowl.

Related Words

VERB

6. To sleep briefly

To sleep for a short period of time, especially during the day.

6.1. Taking a short sleep

To rest by sleeping briefly, usually during the daytime.

Synonyms

  • doze
  • snooze
  • catnap
  • slumber
  • kip
  • drowse
  • sleep
  • repose

Antonyms

Examples

  • She likes to nap after lunch.
  • The exhausted traveler napped for an hour before dinner.
  • The cat napped peacefully beside the window.

Related Words

VERB

7. To be caught off guard

To be unaware, inattentive, or unprepared when something unexpected happens.

7.1. Being unprepared or inattentive

To fail to remain alert or vigilant, allowing an unexpected event or situation to catch someone unprepared.

Synonyms

  • be caught off guard
  • be taken by surprise
  • be inattentive
  • let one's guard down

Antonyms

  • stay alert
  • remain vigilant
  • stay prepared

Examples

  • The security team was napped by the unexpected attack.
  • The opposing team caught the defense napping during the final minutes.

Related Words

VERB

8. To raise a soft or fuzzy surface

To produce or raise a layer of short, soft fibers on the surface of fabric or leather.

8.1. Creating a fuzzy fabric surface

To brush, tease, or raise the fibers of a textile or leather surface to create a soft, fuzzy texture.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • smooth
  • flatten

Examples

  • The manufacturer napped the fabric to give it a softer finish.
  • The textile was napped to create a warm, fuzzy surface.

Related Words

  • fleece
  • pile
  • fuzz
  • finish
  • texturize

VERB

9. To grab or seize

To take or seize something, especially quickly or suddenly; a dialectal or informal use related to nab.

9.1. Grabbing or taking something

To seize, grab, or take hold of something quickly.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The thief napped the unattended wallet and disappeared.
  • He napped the last available seat before anyone else could take it.

Related Words

VERB

10. To cover food with sauce

To coat or cover food with a sauce, usually referring to a culinary preparation in which the sauce is spread over the food.

10.1. Coating food with sauce

To cover a food item with a layer of sauce, often as part of its preparation or presentation.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The chef napped the fish with a delicate cream sauce.
  • The roasted vegetables were napped with a rich herb sauce.

Related Words