clap
14 synonyms for clap, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To strike the palms of the hands together to make a sharp sound, especially to applaud.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To strike the palms of the hands together to make a sharp sound, especially to applaud.
“The audience clapped enthusiastically at the end of the show.”
How to use clap
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
clap of thunder
clap your hands
clap along
Etymology
From Old English clæppan, of imitative Germanic origin describing a sharp striking sound.
Full origin of clap →Frequently asked questions
What does “clap” mean?
The word “clap” means to strike the palms of the hands together to make a sharp sound, especially to applaud. In plain terms, to strike your hands together to make noise or show approval — or the sharp sound itself, including a burst of thunder.
How do you pronounce “clap”?
“Clap” is pronounced klap (/klæp/ in IPA).
How do you use “clap” in a sentence?
Here is “clap” used in a sentence: “The audience clapped enthusiastically at the end of the show.”
What part of speech is “clap”?
Depending on how it is used, “clap” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “clap” come from?
The word “clap” comes from Old English. From Old English clæppan, of imitative Germanic origin describing a sharp striking sound.
Is “clap” a common word?
“Clap” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “clap” have?
“Clap” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to strike the palms of the hands together to make a sharp sound, especially to applaud.
What is the difference between "clap" and "applaud"?
"Clap" specifically means striking the palms of the hands together to make a sharp sound, while "applaud" is a broader, more formal word for showing approval, which usually includes clapping. "Applaud" tends to appear in more formal writing, while "clap" describes the everyday physical action.
Is "clap" a countable noun?
Yes, "a clap" refers to a single instance of clapping or a single sharp sound, such as "a clap of thunder" or "a clap of the hands," so it can be pluralized as "claps."
