clap
klap
Clap (verb) means to strike the palms of the hands together to make a sharp sound, especially to applaud. Example: “The audience clapped enthusiastically at the end of the show.”
verb
1
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."
"She clapped her hands to get the children's attention."
noun
1
The act of clapping, or the sharp sound it makes.
"He gave the winner a friendly clap on the back."
2
A sudden, loud noise, especially of thunder.
"A clap of thunder made everyone jump."
How to use clap
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo strike your hands together to make noise or show approval — or the sharp sound itself, including a burst of thunder.
Common pairings
clap of thunder
clap your hands
clap along
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Word forms
- Plural
- claps
- Third person singular
- claps
- Past tense
- clapped, clapt
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He gave the winner a friendly _____ on the back.
Etymology
From Old English clæppan, of imitative Germanic origin describing a sharp striking sound.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for clap
See all rhymes for 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."
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