taper

1 of 4

verb

ta·​per ˈtā-pər 

tapered; tapering ˈtā-p(ə-)riŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to become progressively smaller toward one end

2

: to diminish gradually

transitive verb

: to cause to taper

taper

2 of 4

noun (1)

1

a

: a slender candle

b

: a long waxed wick used especially for lighting candles, lamps, pipes, or fires

c

: a feeble light

2

a

: a tapering form or figure

b

: gradual diminution of thickness, diameter, or width in an elongated object

c

: a gradual decrease

taper

3 of 4

adjective

1

: progressively narrowed toward one end

2

: furnished with or adjusted to a scale : graduated

taper freight rates

taper

4 of 4

noun (2)

tap·​er ˈtā-pər 

: one that applies or dispenses tape

Synonyms

Verb

• abate
• de-escalate
• decline
• decrease
• die (away or down or out)
• diminish
• drain (away)
• drop (off)
• dwindle
• ease
• ebb
• fall
• fall away
• lessen
• let up
• lower
• moderate
• pall
• phase down
• ratchet (down)
• rachet (down)
• recede
• relent
• remit
• shrink
• subside
• taper off
• wane

Examples of taper in a Sentence

Verb

leaves that taper to a point

you'll find the symptoms begin tapering gradually about 24 hours after you take the medicine

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The inner corners do not taper into a thinner shape, instead keeping a curved top and bottom lash line. —Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 17 May 2024

Not only will rates remain at their current level – a 23-year high – for at least another month, there’s little reason to believe the Fed will start tapering until the fall. —Christopher Decker, The Conversation, 1 May 2024

Noun

All of the tapers are tournament tested and proven to be able to cast accurately while maintaining enough backbone to fight powerful fish. —Max Inchausti, Field & Stream, 13 June 2024

The United States remains the wealthiest and most powerful country in the world, but China is challenging the United States’ influence over the international order—and will continue to do so even if its dramatic rise tapers into stagnation. —Alexander Cooley, Foreign Affairs, 14 Dec. 2021

Adjective

Instead, grab a few pairs of these taper candles that are hand painted with tiny bows. —Anne Loreto Cruz, Bon Appétit, 8 Feb. 2024

Tall taper candles that loom over your head at dinner? —Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 15 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English tapor candle, wick, perhaps modification of Latin papyrus papyrus

Noun (2)

tape entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

1610, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

circa 1920, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing taper

• taper off

Kids Definition

taper

1 of 2 noun

ta·​per ˈtā-pər 

1

a

: a long waxed wick used especially for lighting lamps, pipes, or fires

b

: a slender candle

2

a

: a tapering form or figure

b

: gradual lessening of thickness, diameter, or width in a long object

c

: a gradual decrease

taper

2 of 2 verb

tapered; tapering

ˈtā-p(ə-)riŋ

1

: to make or become gradually smaller toward one end

2

: to become gradually less and less