applaud
uh-PLAWD
Applaud (verb) means to clap your hands to show approval or enjoyment. Example: “The crowd applauded as the band walked on stage.”
verb
1
To clap your hands to show approval or enjoyment.
"The crowd applauded as the band walked on stage."
"Everyone applauded loudly at the end of her speech."
2
To praise or express strong approval of something.
"Critics applauded the director's bold new approach."
How to use applaud
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo clap for someone, or more broadly, to openly praise them.
Common pairings
applaud loudly
applaud the decision
applaud someone's efforts
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Word forms
- Plural
- applauds
- Third person singular
- applauds
- Past tense
- applauded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The crowd _____ as the band walked on stage.
Etymology
From Latin applaudere, "to clap the hands together," from ad- ("to") + plaudere ("to clap, strike").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for applaud
See all rhymes for applaud →Frequently asked questions
What does “applaud” mean?
The word “applaud” means to clap your hands to show approval or enjoyment. In plain terms, to clap for someone, or more broadly, to openly praise them.
How do you pronounce “applaud”?
“Applaud” is pronounced uh-PLAWD (/əˈplɔd/ in IPA).
How do you use “applaud” in a sentence?
Here is “applaud” used in a sentence: “The crowd applauded as the band walked on stage.”
What part of speech is “applaud”?
“Applaud” is a verb.
Where does the word “applaud” come from?
The word “applaud” comes from Latin. From Latin applaudere, "to clap the hands together," from ad- ("to") + plaudere ("to clap, strike").
Is “applaud” a common word?
“Applaud” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “applaud” have?
“Applaud” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to clap your hands to show approval or enjoyment.
