Origin and history of tape

Old English tæppe "narrow strip of cloth used for tying, measuring, etc.," a word of uncertain origin; perhaps [Klein] a back-formation from Latin tapete "cloth, carpet." Middle English Compendium compares Old Frisian tapia, Middle Low German tapen "to pull, pluck, tear," and points to tabbe "strap or string" (mid-15c.), Norwegian dialectal tave "piece of cloth, rag."

The original short vowel became long in Middle English. Tape stretched taut as a mark of the goal line or finish line in a game or race is attested by 1867.

Adhesive tape is from 1885; also in early use it was sometimes friction tape. Tape-measure "piece of tape marked in feet, inches, etc.," especially as used by tailors and dress-makers, is attested by 1873.

c. 1600, "furnish with tape or tapes, attach strips of cloth to," from tape (n.). The meaning "attach with adhesive tape" is from 1932; the meaning "make a tape recording" is by 1950. Related: Taped; taping.