Definition

Noun 1. A signal, typically played on a bugle or drum, indicating that lights are to be put out in an army camp. This is the primary and most specific meaning. 2. A similar signal sounded at military funerals or memorial services. This is a common and solemn extension of the first meaning.

Usage

• The singular form "taps" is used for the signal itself. It is often preceded by the definite article "the."
• It is a proper noun referring to a specific, named piece of music or signal.

Examples

• Noun:
  • After taps was played, all soldiers were required to be quiet in their quarters.
  • The haunting sound of the taps echoed across the military base at 2200 hours.
  • The ceremony concluded with a bugler playing Taps.

Advanced Usage

• "to sound taps": to play the taps signal.
  • The sergeant major ordered the bugler to sound taps.
• The piece is played in a slow, dignified tempo of 60 beats per minute. While associated with "lights out," its most recognized public use is as a funeral honors song or a memorial signal (e.g., on Memorial Day).

Variants and Related Words

• Reveille (n): The bugle call used to wake military personnel and signal the start of the day. It is the counterpart to Taps.
• Last Post (n): A similar bugle call used in British and Commonwealth military traditions for funerals and remembrance.

Synonyms

• Lights-out (n): Can be used informally to refer to the time or signal.
• Funeral march (n): Describes the genre, but is not specific to the piece "Taps."

Notes

• The word is always plural in form ("taps") but singular in meaning. One does not say "a tap" in this context.
• When referring specifically to the funeral melody, it is often capitalized as "Taps."
• There is no direct phrasal verb or idiom form for the military signal "taps."

Noun

1. (military) signal to turn the lights out