English · Daily Life
soap
/səʊp/
[/səʊp/]
cleaning substance
Beginnernoun
Definition
A substance used with water for washing the body or cleaning things.
Example
He washed his hands carefully with soap and warm water before sitting down to eat.
He washed his hands carefully with soap and warm water before sitting down to eat.
Etymology
From Old English 'sape', of Germanic origin, related to Latin 'sapo'.
How & Where It’s Used
Used daily for washing; also figurative in 'soap opera' for dramatic TV serials.