1
: to respond to enthusiastically or accept eagerly
she simply lapped up admirationHelen Howe
readiness to lap up the latest sensationHerbert Brucker
2
: drink
sat there … lapping up the wonderful Japanese beerJ. A. Michener

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near lap up

Cite this Entry

“Lap up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lap%20up. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on lap up

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!