noun

taps

TAPS/tˈæps/

A bugle call sounded at military funerals and at day's end.

The bugler plays taps beside the folded flag at dusk.

A uniformed military bugler plays alone beside a folded flag at dusk, solemn respectful military setting, no combat.

Etymology

The taps were originally drum strokes signaling lights out; the name remained when the call moved to the bugle. Its use as a soldier's final farewell may date to the American Civil War.

In context

Maine Public0:26

for 150 years the bugle call taps has been heard throughout the United States first developed as the call for Lights Out it's soon transformed into that call that's heard at military funerals today

A Brief History of Taps

More examples

Taps sounded across the quiet cemetery.
The ceremony ended with taps.
They stood still as taps was played.

Forms

taps