WordLens

tape

1 of 2noun
/teɪp/
Forms:tapes
1

a thin magnetic material on which a piece of music is recorded

B1Learn more on Wikipedia

A tape is a long, narrow strip of material that is coated with a magnetic substance. This coating allows sound or other data to be recorded onto it. When played back on a tape player, the tape moves past a device that reads the magnetic signals and converts them back into sound. Tapes were commonly used in the past to record and play music or voice recordings.

  • The engineer carefully spliced the tape to edit out any mistakes in the recording.
  • The studio's collection of vintage tapes holds rare recordings of jazz legends from the past century.
  • After the concert, the musician listened to the tape to assess their performance and make improvements.
Synonyms:
tape recordingtaping
2

a plastic case with a magnetic string that is used to record video, audio, or images

B1
  • She found an old tape of her parents' wedding in the attic and decided to watch it.
  • The band recorded their first album on a tape, which is now a rare collectible.
  • He borrowed a tape from the library to watch the classic film on his VCR.
  • The journalist played the tape containing the interview with the famous actor.
  • They used a tape to capture all the special moments at their family reunion.
Synonyms:
mag tapemagnetic tape
3

a long, thin strip of cloth, paper, or other flexible material, used for binding, fastening, or marking

  • She used tape to bind the torn pages of the book together.
  • The dressmaker measured the fabric and marked it with tape.
  • He wrapped the tape around the handle for a better grip.
  • The package was sealed with tape to ensure it stayed closed.
  • The athlete used tape to secure his ankle before the game.
4

a narrow strip of material marking the finish line in a foot race

  • The runner broke through the tape with a triumphant smile.
  • The tape at the finish line fluttered in the breeze.
  • She leaned forward to hit the tape just ahead of her competitor.
  • The race officials stretched the tape across the track before the final lap.
  • The crowd cheered as the first runner crossed the tape.