nap Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a period of time spent sleeping
sleep.
- he felt better after a little sleep
- there wasn't time for a nap
noun a soft or fuzzy surface texture
noun the yarn (as in a rug or velvet or corduroy) that stands up from the weave
pile.
- for uniform color and texture tailors cut velvet with the pile running the same direction
noun sleeping for a short period of time (usually not in bed)
cat sleep; catnap; short sleep; snooze; forty winks.
noun a card game similar to whist; usually played for stakes
Napoleon.
verb take a siesta
catnap; catch a wink.
- She naps everyday after lunch for an hour

OE. nappen, AS. hn&ppian to take a nap, to slumber; cf. AS. hnipian to bend one's self, Icel. hnipna, hnipa, to droop.

imperfect & past participle Napped ; present participle & verbal noun Napping

To have a short sleep; to be drowsy; to doze. Chaucer.
To be in a careless, secure state. Wyclif.
I took thee napping, unprepared. Hudibras.

OE. noppe, AS. hnoppa; akin to D. nop, Dan. noppe, LG. nobbe.

Woolly or villous surface of felt, cloth, plants, etc.; an external covering of down, of short fine hairs or fibers forming part of the substance of anything, and lying smoothly in one direction; the pile; -- as, the nap of cotton flannel or of broadcloth.
pl. The loops which are cut to make the pile, in velvet. Knight.