1
a
: the fluid part of a plant
specifically
: a watery solution that circulates through a plant's vascular system
b(1)
: a body fluid (such as blood) essential to life, health, or vigor
(2)
: bodily health and vigor
2
: a foolish gullible person
sapped; sapping
sapped; sapping
: to proceed by digging a sap
1
: to subvert by digging or eroding the substratum or foundation : undermine
2
a
: to gradually diminish the supply or intensity of
sapped her strength
b
: to weaken or exhaust the energy or vitality of
the illness sapped him of his stamina
3
: to operate against or pierce by a sap
: the extension of a trench to a point beneath an enemy's fortifications
Synonyms
Examples of sap in a Sentence
Noun (1)
a child full of sap and vivacity
some poor sap would probably fall for that telephone scam
the sadistic prison guards freely used their saps to enforce discipline
I may no longer have the sap of youth, but I do have the sapience that comes only with advanced years
Verb (1)
weeks of hard work had sapped her and left her exhausted
Recent Examples on the Web
Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024
It is threatened by invisible systems and programming that, bit by bit, are sapping its promise and authenticity.
—Penny Abeywardena, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Joseph Lee, Vox, 14 Oct. 2024
These vines’ saps and ferment are sourced for L’Or de Vie’s lineup, which includes two creams (the original Crème, suitable for most skin types, and the Riche Crème for dry skin) as well as a serum, toning lotion, and an eye and lip cream.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sap 
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.
Verb
Neptune’s gravity is slowly sapping energy from Triton, causing the moon to inch closer to Neptune.
—Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024
It is threatened by invisible systems and programming that, bit by bit, are sapping its promise and authenticity.
—Penny Abeywardena, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
The calendar, which is based on seasonal indicators like tree sap rather than months and days, includes detailed information about foods, ecosystems, plants, animals, and human activities.
—Joseph Lee, Vox, 14 Oct. 2024
These vines’ saps and ferment are sourced for L’Or de Vie’s lineup, which includes two creams (the original Crème, suitable for most skin types, and the Riche Crème for dry skin) as well as a serum, toning lotion, and an eye and lip cream.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sap
Articles Related to sap
Dictionary Entries Near sap
Cite this Entry
“Sap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sap. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sap
1 of 2 noun1
: the fluid part of a plant
especially
: a watery solution that circulates through a higher plant and carries food and nutrients
2
: bodily health and vigor : vitality sense 3b
3
: a foolish person who is easily tricked or cheated
sap
2 of 2 verb
sapped; sapping
1
: undermine sense 2
heavy waves sapped the seawall
2
: to weaken gradually
illness sapped my strength
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share