noun

clapperboard

KLAP-ur-bord

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Clapperboard (noun) means a hinged board used at the start of a film take, clapped shut to help line up the picture and sound during editing. Example: “The assistant held up the clapperboard and called out the scene number.”

noun

A hinged board used at the start of a film take, clapped shut to help line up the picture and sound during editing.

"The assistant held up the clapperboard and called out the scene number."

"You can hear the snap of the clapperboard right before the actors begin."

"Editors use the clapperboard sound to match the video to the audio track."

verb

To mark the start of a film take by clapping a clapperboard shut in front of the camera.

"She clapperboarded the next take and stepped out of frame."

"The crew clapperboarded each scene before the director called action."

How to use clapperboard

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIt is the board with a hinged top that gets clapped shut at the start of filming to help sync the sound and picture later.

When to use it

This is everyday film-industry vocabulary, used on set and in production discussions.

Memory tip

The clap itself is what gives editors a precise point to line up sound with picture.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

snap the clapperboard hold up the clapperboard clapperboard sound

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “clapperboard” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The assistant held up the _____ and called out the scene number.

Etymology

Clapperboard is formed by joining clapper to board, describing the hinged clapping piece fixed to a board.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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slate board clapboard

Related words

room board Council stage table card border ticket

Rhymes for clapperboard

board hoard aboard onboard keyboard cupboard outboard seaboard backboard starboard cardboard surfboard

See all rhymes for clapperboard →

Frequently asked questions

What is a clapperboard used for?

It marks the start and end of a filmed take so editors can line up the picture with the sound.

Why does a clapperboard make a clapping sound?

The hinged piece is brought down onto the board with a clap, giving a sharp sound and image that editors can sync to.

Is clapperboard the same as a slate?

Yes, slate is one of the common alternative names for a clapperboard.

What is the meaning of clapperboard?

"clapperboard" (noun) means a hinged board used at the start of a film take, clapped shut to help line up the picture and sound during editing.

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