Tap vs. faucet: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Tap is more commonly used in British English, while faucet is the preferred term in American English. Additionally, tap can also mean a light touch or act of drawing liquid from something, whereas faucet refers strictly to the plumbing fixture.
What they have in common
Both tap and faucet refer to devices used to control the release of water from a pipe, typically in kitchens or bathrooms.
Examples
tap
- She turned on the tap to fill the kettle.
- There was a constant drip from the tap in the bathroom.
faucet
- He replaced the old kitchen faucet with a new one.
- Make sure to turn off the faucet after washing your hands.
Which one is more common?
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