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.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Faucets often refer to fixtures with more complex designs, including temperature and flow control. Taps are generally simpler, primarily for controlling water flow.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
The choice between 'faucet' and 'tap' can also denote cultural or regional identity, reflecting different English-speaking traditions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Design Complexity
Often more complex, with various controls
Generally simpler, with basic controls
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Context of Use
Used in both domestic and industrial settings in the U.S.
Used similarly in the UK and other regions
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Style Variations
Includes a wide range of styles, including high-tech
Also varies, but often more basic
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Linguistic Identity
Reflects American English usage
Reflects British English usage
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Tap
A device for releasing water from a plumbing system.
She turned on the tap to fill the kettle.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Faucet
A fixture for controlling the flow of water in sinks or bathtubs.
The kitchen faucet features both hot and cold water controls.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Tap
Commonly found in homes for water access.
The bathroom tap has a chrome finish.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Faucet
Part of the plumbing system for delivering water.
He fixed the leaky faucet in the bathroom.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Tap
Often emphasizes basic functionality over design.
The garden tap is purely functional, without fancy features.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Faucet
Can be a stylish element in kitchen and bathroom design.
They chose an elegant faucet to complement their modern kitchen.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Tap
To strike gently with a light blow or blows
I tapped you on the shoulder to get your attention.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Faucet
A device for regulating the flow of a liquid from a reservoir such as a pipe or drum. See Note at andiron.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Faucet
(North America) An exposed plumbing fitting; a tap or spigot; a regulator for controlling the flow of a liquid from a reservoir.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Faucet
(game development) One or several systems that inject currency into the game's economy, thus controlling or preventing inflation
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
To repair (shoe heels or toes) by applying a thin layer of leather or a substitute material.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Faucet
The enlarged end of a section of pipe which receives the spigot end of the next section.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Faucet
Often includes mechanisms for controlling water temperature.
The faucet’s temperature control helps avoid scalding water.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Tap
To make a physical connection with or open outlets from
Tap a water main.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
To establish an electric connection in (a power line), as to divert current secretly.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
To establish access to or a connection with
Tapped a new market for inexpensive books.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
To take advantage of; make use of
Tapped voter anger to win the election.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
A thin layer of leather or a substitute applied to a worn-down shoe heel or toe.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
A metal plate attached to the toe or heel of a shoe, as for tap-dancing.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
A valve and spout used to regulate delivery of a fluid at the end of a pipe.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
A device used to dispense liquids.
We don't have bottled water; you'll have to get it from the tap.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
Liquor drawn through a tap; hence, a certain kind or quality of liquor.
A liquor of the same tap
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
A procedure that removes fluid from a body cavity.
Abdominal tap
Pleural tap
Spinal tap
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
A gentle or slight blow; a light rap; a pat.
When Steve felt a tap on his shoulder, he turned around.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
A piece of leather fastened upon the bottom of a boot or shoe in repairing or renewing the sole or heel.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
(phonetics) A consonant sound made by a single muscle contraction, such as the sound [
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
To furnish with taps.
If we tap the maple trees, we can get maple syrup!
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
To place a listening or recording device on a telephone or wired connection.
They can't tap the phone without a warrant.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
To intercept a communication without authority.
He was known to tap cable television.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
(mechanical) To cut an internal screw thread.
Tap an M3 thread all the way through the hole.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
(informal) To cadge, borrow or beg.
I tried to tap a cigarette off him, but he wouldn't give me one.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
To make a sharp noise.
The tree, swaying in the breeze, began to tap on the window pane.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
To designate for some duty or for membership, as in 'a tap on the shoulder'.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
To have sexual intercourse with.
I would tap that hot girl over there.
I'd tap that.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
(combat sports) To submit to an opponent by tapping one's hand repeatedly.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
To draw, or cause to flow, by piercing.
He has been tapping his liquors.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
A piece of leather fastened upon the bottom of a boot or shoe in repairing or renewing the sole or heel.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
A plug or spile for stopping a hole pierced in a cask, or the like; a faucet.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
Liquor drawn through a tap; hence, a certain kind or quality of liquor; as, a liquor of the same tap.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
A small metal plate that attaches to the toe or heel of a shoe (as in tap dancing)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
Draw from or dip into to get something;
Tap one's memory
Tap a source of money
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
Draw from; make good use of;
We must exploit the resources we are given wisely
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
Furnish with a tap or spout, so as to be able to draw liquid from it;
Tap a cask of wine
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
Make light, repeated taps on a surface;
He was tapping his fingers on the table impatiently
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
Pierce in order to draw a liquid from;
Tap a maple tree for its syrup
Tap a keg of beer
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Tap
Used for various purposes, from drinking water to gardening.
He attached a hose to the outdoor tap for watering the plants.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Tap
Includes a mechanism to control the flow of water.
The tap's washer needs replacing to stop the drip.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do faucets come in different styles?
Yes, faucets come in a wide range of designs and styles.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
What is a faucet?
A device for controlling water flow, typically used in American English.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
What is a tap?
A device for releasing water, commonly used in British English.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can a faucet be used outdoors?
Yes, there are outdoor faucets for gardens and hoses.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Do taps have temperature controls?
Some taps have temperature controls, especially in modern designs.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Are taps easy to replace?
Replacing a tap can be straightforward, depending on the model.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Do faucets save water?
Some modern faucets are designed to be water-efficient.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can taps be used in commercial settings?
Yes, taps are commonly used in both residential and commercial settings.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Is installing a faucet a DIY task?
It can be, but complex installations might require a plumber.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
What causes a tap to drip?
A dripping tap is often caused by a worn-out washer or valve.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Do taps require regular maintenance?
Regular cleaning and occasional washer replacement are recommended.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can a tap be used for filtered water?
Some taps are designed to dispense filtered water.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can faucets be repaired?
Yes, common issues like leaks can often be repaired.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Are there sensor-based faucets?
Yes, there are faucets with motion sensors for hands-free operation.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Are there eco-friendly faucets?
Many modern faucets are designed to be environmentally friendly.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Are faucet filters effective?
Many faucets come with built-in filters for water purification.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
How do you clean a faucet?
Faucets can be cleaned with mild soap and water or specific cleaners.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Do taps come in different materials?
Taps are available in various materials like chrome, brass, and stainless steel.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
Dua Fatima
