noun
clapper
KLAP
Clapper (noun) means the part inside a bell that swings and strikes it to make it ring. Example: “The clapper had come loose, so the bell made no sound.”
noun
1
The part inside a bell that swings and strikes it to make it ring.
"The clapper had come loose, so the bell made no sound."
"She tied a ribbon to the clapper to keep the bell quiet."
2
The hinged board on a clapperboard, used at the start of a film take to sync sound and picture.
"The assistant snapped the clapper shut and called "action.""
3
Someone who claps or applauds.
"He was the loudest clapper in the whole audience."
How to use clapper
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe swinging piece inside a bell, or the hinged film-slate board — both named for the clapping/striking action.
Common pairings
the clapper of a bell
clapperboard
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Word forms
- Plural
- clappers
- Third person singular
- clappers
- Past tense
- clappered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ had come loose, so the bell made no sound.
Etymology
Borrowed from French clapier.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for clapper
See all rhymes for clapper →Frequently asked questions
What does “clapper” mean?
The word “clapper” means the part inside a bell that swings and strikes it to make it ring. In plain terms, the swinging piece inside a bell, or the hinged film-slate board — both named for the clapping/striking action.
How do you pronounce “clapper”?
“Clapper” is pronounced KLAP (/ˈklæpɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “clapper” in a sentence?
Here is “clapper” used in a sentence: “The clapper had come loose, so the bell made no sound.”
What part of speech is “clapper”?
“Clapper” is a noun.
How many meanings does “clapper” have?
“Clapper” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the part inside a bell that swings and strikes it to make it ring.
