rap, wrap

The words rap, wrap sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. Why do rap, wrap sound the same even though they are completely different words?

The answer is simple: rap, wrap are homophones of the English language.

rap
  1. :: verb-transitive

    To hit sharply and swiftly; strike: rapped the table with his fist.

  2. :: verb-transitive

    To utter sharply: rap out a complaint.

  3. :: verb-transitive

    To criticize or blame.

  4. :: verb-intransitive

    To strike a quick light blow: rapped on the door.

wrap
  1. :: verb-transitive

    To arrange or fold (something) about as cover or protection: She wrapped her fur coat closely about herself.

  2. :: verb-transitive

    To cover, envelop, or encase, as by folding or coiling something about: wrapped my head in a scarf.

  3. :: verb-transitive

    To enclose, especially in paper, and fasten: wrap a package; wrapped up the peelings.

  4. :: verb-transitive

    To clasp, fold, or coil about something: She wrapped her arms about his neck.

Definitions from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition and Wordnik.

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About Homophones

Homophones (literally "same sound") are usually defined as words that share the same pronunciation, regardless of how they are spelled.

If they are spelled the same then they are also homographs (and homonyms); if they are spelled differently then they are also heterographs (literally "different writing").