Faucet vs. Tap: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A faucet is a device for controlling the flow of water from a pipe, typically in North America, while a tap is its UK equivalent.
Key Differences
The word 'faucet' is predominantly used in American English to describe a water dispensing fixture. 'Tap' is the term commonly used in British English for the same fixture.
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Faucets often refer to fixtures with more complex designs, including temperature and flow control. Taps are generally simpler, primarily for controlling water flow.
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In the U.S., 'faucet' is used in both domestic and industrial contexts. In the UK and other regions, 'tap' is used for similar purposes in homes and businesses.
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The term 'faucet' can include a range of styles, from traditional to modern sensor-based designs. 'Tap' can also refer to various designs but is often associated with more basic mechanisms.
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The choice between 'faucet' and 'tap' can also denote cultural or regional identity, reflecting different English-speaking traditions.
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Comparison Chart
Design Complexity
Often more complex, with various controls
Generally simpler, with basic controls
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Context of Use
Used in both domestic and industrial settings in the U.S.
Used similarly in the UK and other regions
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Style Variations
Includes a wide range of styles, including high-tech
Also varies, but often more basic
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Linguistic Identity
Reflects American English usage
Reflects British English usage
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Faucet and Tap Definitions
Faucet
Used in homes and industrial settings for water access.
The new faucet in the lab dispenses both distilled and tap water.
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Tap
A device for releasing water from a plumbing system.
She turned on the tap to fill the kettle.
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Faucet
A fixture for controlling the flow of water in sinks or bathtubs.
The kitchen faucet features both hot and cold water controls.
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Tap
Commonly found in homes for water access.
The bathroom tap has a chrome finish.
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Faucet
Part of the plumbing system for delivering water.
He fixed the leaky faucet in the bathroom.
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Tap
Often emphasizes basic functionality over design.
The garden tap is purely functional, without fancy features.
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Faucet
Can be a stylish element in kitchen and bathroom design.
They chose an elegant faucet to complement their modern kitchen.
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Tap
To strike gently with a light blow or blows
I tapped you on the shoulder to get your attention.
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Faucet
A device for regulating the flow of a liquid from a reservoir such as a pipe or drum. See Note at andiron.
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Faucet
(North America) An exposed plumbing fitting; a tap or spigot; a regulator for controlling the flow of a liquid from a reservoir.
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Faucet
(game development) One or several systems that inject currency into the game's economy, thus controlling or preventing inflation
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Faucet
A fixture for drawing a liquid, as water, molasses, oil, etc., from a pipe, cask, or other vessel, in such quantities as may be desired; - called also tap, and cock. It consists of a tubular spout, stopped with a movable plug, spigot, valve, or slide.
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Tap
To repair (shoe heels or toes) by applying a thin layer of leather or a substitute material.
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Faucet
The enlarged end of a section of pipe which receives the spigot end of the next section.
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Faucet
Often includes mechanisms for controlling water temperature.
The faucet’s temperature control helps avoid scalding water.
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Tap
To make a physical connection with or open outlets from
Tap a water main.
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Tap
To establish an electric connection in (a power line), as to divert current secretly.
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Tap
To establish access to or a connection with
Tapped a new market for inexpensive books.
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Tap
To take advantage of; make use of
Tapped voter anger to win the election.
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Tap
A thin layer of leather or a substitute applied to a worn-down shoe heel or toe.
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Tap
A metal plate attached to the toe or heel of a shoe, as for tap-dancing.
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Tap
A valve and spout used to regulate delivery of a fluid at the end of a pipe.
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Tap
A device used to dispense liquids.
We don't have bottled water; you'll have to get it from the tap.
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Tap
Liquor drawn through a tap; hence, a certain kind or quality of liquor.
A liquor of the same tap
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Tap
(mechanics) A device used to cut an internal screw thread. (External screw threads are cut with a die.)
We drilled a hole and then cut the threads with the proper tap to match the valve's thread.
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Tap
A connection made to an electrical or fluid conductor without breaking it.
The system was barely keeping pressure due to all of the ill-advised taps along its length.
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Tap
A procedure that removes fluid from a body cavity.
Abdominal tap
Pleural tap
Spinal tap
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Tap
(finance) The situation where a borrowing government authority issues bonds over a period of time, usually at a fixed price, with volumes sold on a particular day dependent on market conditions.
Tap issue; a bond tap
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Tap
A gentle or slight blow; a light rap; a pat.
When Steve felt a tap on his shoulder, he turned around.
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Tap
A piece of leather fastened upon the bottom of a boot or shoe in repairing or renewing the sole or heel.
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Tap
(military) A signal, by drum or trumpet, for extinguishing all lights in soldiers' quarters and retiring to bed; usually given about a quarter of an hour after tattoo.
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Tap
(phonetics) A consonant sound made by a single muscle contraction, such as the sound [
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Tap
To furnish with taps.
If we tap the maple trees, we can get maple syrup!
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Tap
To place a listening or recording device on a telephone or wired connection.
They can't tap the phone without a warrant.
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Tap
To intercept a communication without authority.
He was known to tap cable television.
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Tap
(mechanical) To cut an internal screw thread.
Tap an M3 thread all the way through the hole.
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Tap
To turn or flip a card or playing piece to remind players that it has already been used that turn (by analogy to "tapping," in the sense of drawing on to the point of temporary exhaustion, the resources or abilities represented by the card).
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Tap
(informal) To cadge, borrow or beg.
I tried to tap a cigarette off him, but he wouldn't give me one.
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Tap
To advance someone for a post or job, or for membership of a club.
Trump interviewed Mueller for FBI job day before he was tapped for special counsel.
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Tap
To touch one's finger, foot, or other body parts on a surface (usually) repeatedly.
He was so nervous he began to tap his fingers on the table.
She tapped her companion on the back to indicate that she was ready to go.
Lydia tapped Jim on the shoulder to get his attention.
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Tap
To make a sharp noise.
The tree, swaying in the breeze, began to tap on the window pane.
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Tap
(graphical user interface) To operate an electronic device (e.g. a mobile phone) by tapping a specific place on its (capacitive or other) touch screen.
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Tap
To designate for some duty or for membership, as in 'a tap on the shoulder'.
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Tap
To have sexual intercourse with.
I would tap that hot girl over there.
I'd tap that.
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Tap
(combat sports) To submit to an opponent by tapping one's hand repeatedly.
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Tap
To strike with a slight or gentle blow; to touch gently; to rap lightly; to pat; as, to tap one with the hand or a cane.
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Tap
To pierce so as to let out, or draw off, a fluid; as, to tap a cask, a tree, a tumor, a keg of beer, etc.
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Tap
Hence, to draw resources from (a reservoir) in any analogous way; as, to tap someone's knowledge of the Unix system; to tap the treasury.
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Tap
To draw, or cause to flow, by piercing.
He has been tapping his liquors.
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Tap
To form an internal screw in (anything) by means of a tool called a tap; as, to tap a nut, a pipe, or tubing.
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Tap
To connect a listening device to (a telephone or telegraph line) secretly, for the purpose of hearing private conversations; also, to obtain or record (information) by tapping; - a technique used by law enforcement agencies investigating suspected criminals. In the United States it is illegal without a court order permitting it.
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Tap
A piece of leather fastened upon the bottom of a boot or shoe in repairing or renewing the sole or heel.
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Tap
A signal, by drum or trumpet, for extinguishing all lights in soldiers' quarters and retiring to bed, - usually given about a quarter of an hour after tattoo.
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Tap
A plug or spile for stopping a hole pierced in a cask, or the like; a faucet.
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Tap
Liquor drawn through a tap; hence, a certain kind or quality of liquor; as, a liquor of the same tap.
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Tap
A tool for forming an internal screw, as in a nut, consisting of a hardened steel male screw grooved longitudinally so as to have cutting edges.
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Tap
A small metal plate that attaches to the toe or heel of a shoe (as in tap dancing)
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Tap
Draw from or dip into to get something;
Tap one's memory
Tap a source of money
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Tap
Draw from; make good use of;
We must exploit the resources we are given wisely
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Tap
Tap a telephone or telegraph wire to get information;
The FBI was tapping the phone line of the suspected spy
Is this hotel room bugged?
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Tap
Furnish with a tap or spout, so as to be able to draw liquid from it;
Tap a cask of wine
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Tap
Make light, repeated taps on a surface;
He was tapping his fingers on the table impatiently
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Tap
Dance and make rhythmic clicking sounds by means of metal plates nailed to the sole of the dance shoes;
Glover tapdances better than anybody
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Tap
Pierce in order to draw a liquid from;
Tap a maple tree for its syrup
Tap a keg of beer
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Tap
Make a solicitation or entreaty for something; request urgently or persistently;
Henry IV solicited the Pope for a divorce
My neighbor keeps soliciting money for different charities
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Tap
Used for various purposes, from drinking water to gardening.
He attached a hose to the outdoor tap for watering the plants.
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Tap
Includes a mechanism to control the flow of water.
The tap's washer needs replacing to stop the drip.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do faucets come in different styles?
Yes, faucets come in a wide range of designs and styles.
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What is a faucet?
A device for controlling water flow, typically used in American English.
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What is a tap?
A device for releasing water, commonly used in British English.
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Can a faucet be used outdoors?
Yes, there are outdoor faucets for gardens and hoses.
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Do taps have temperature controls?
Some taps have temperature controls, especially in modern designs.
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Are taps easy to replace?
Replacing a tap can be straightforward, depending on the model.
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Do faucets save water?
Some modern faucets are designed to be water-efficient.
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Can taps be used in commercial settings?
Yes, taps are commonly used in both residential and commercial settings.
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Is installing a faucet a DIY task?
It can be, but complex installations might require a plumber.
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What causes a tap to drip?
A dripping tap is often caused by a worn-out washer or valve.
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Do taps require regular maintenance?
Regular cleaning and occasional washer replacement are recommended.
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Can a tap be used for filtered water?
Some taps are designed to dispense filtered water.
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Can faucets be repaired?
Yes, common issues like leaks can often be repaired.
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Are there sensor-based faucets?
Yes, there are faucets with motion sensors for hands-free operation.
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Are there eco-friendly faucets?
Many modern faucets are designed to be environmentally friendly.
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Are faucet filters effective?
Many faucets come with built-in filters for water purification.
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How do you clean a faucet?
Faucets can be cleaned with mild soap and water or specific cleaners.
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Do taps come in different materials?
Taps are available in various materials like chrome, brass, and stainless steel.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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