Meaning

• A sharp blow with something hard.

  "The teacher gave the wayward pupil a rap across the knuckles with her ruler."

• Blame for something.

  "You can't act irresponsibly and then expect me to take the rap."

• A charge, whether or not it results in a conviction.

• A casual talk.

• Rap music.

• A song, verse, or instance of singing in the style of rap music.

• An appraisal.

  "a good/great/bad rap"

• A positive appraisal; a recommendation.

  "He gave the novel quite a rap."