1 B1 neutral
To knock sharply on a door, window, or surface to attract attention.
"She rapped at the window to get the shopkeeper's attention before he locked up."
inseparable
rap at
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To knock sharply and quickly on a door, window, or surface.
In plain English
To knock quickly and firmly on something, like a door.
What does "rap at" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 formal
(Literary) To knock urgently or insistently at a door or entrance.
"A stranger was rapping at the door long after midnight."
“
Once upon a midnight dreary... suddenly there came a tapping, as of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
— Edgar Allan Poe, 'The Raven,' 1845
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Striking something sharply and quickly with knuckles or an object.
Actually means
To knock quickly and firmly on something, like a door.
Usage tip
Typically describes a sharp, crisp knock — more decisive than a tap, less heavy than a full knock. Common in literary and journalistic writing. Slightly more formal or literary in feel than 'knock at.'
Words that pair with "rap at"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
door window table glass door knocker
How to conjugate "rap at"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rap at
I/you/we/they
3rd person
raps at
he/she/it
Past simple
raped at
yesterday
Past participle
raped at
have + pp
-ing form
raping at
continuous
Hear "rap at" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "rap at" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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