/ Dictionary / Index R red tape: Meaning and Definition of Find definitions for: red' tape' Pronunciation: [key] excessive formality and routine required before official action can be taken. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease. red-tailed hawk red tide Related Content Daily Word Quiz: gregarious Analogy of the Day: Today’s Analogy Spelling Bee: Today’s Spelling Bee Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language