VocabDictionary

chap

/tสƒรฆp/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

An informal, chiefly British term for a man or a boy; a fellow.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œHe seemed like a decent chap, so I agreed to help him with his luggage.โ€
  • โ€œMind your manners, chaps, we have guests arriving shortly.โ€
2.verb

To become cracked, rough, or sore, typically as a result of exposure to cold weather or wind.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œMy hands tend to chap and bleed if I don't wear gloves during the winter.โ€
  • โ€œThe harsh desert wind will chap your lips in no time.โ€
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œchapโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

The word 'chap' has two distinct origins. As an informal noun for a man or fellow, it arose in the 16th century as a colloquial abbreviation of 'chapman' (meaning a merchant or peddler), which comes from Old English 'cฤ“apman' (buyer/seller). As a verb meaning to crack or split (especially of the skin), it comes from the Middle English 'chappen', which is of Germanic origin and closely related to 'chop'.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a friendly chap (man) walking in the freezing cold until his lips chap (crack).

Common Collocations & Phrases
Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œchapโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œchapโ€ in English?

In English, chap (noun) is defined as: โ€œAn informal, chiefly British term for a man or a boy; a fellow.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œchapโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œHe seemed like a decent chap, so I agreed to help him with his luggage.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œchapโ€?

Common synonyms include:fellow,bloke,guy,crack,roughen

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œchapโ€?

The word 'chap' has two distinct origins. As an informal noun for a man or fellow, it arose in the 16th century as a colloquial abbreviation of 'chapman' (meaning a merchant or peddler), which comes from Old English 'cฤ“apman' (buyer/seller). As a verb meaning to crack or split (especially of the skin), it comes from the Middle English 'chappen', which is of Germanic origin and closely related to 'chop'.