noun Uncommon

clapping

KLA-pihng

Clapping (noun) means the act of striking your hands together to applaud or make a rhythm. Example: “The clapping grew louder as the singer took her final bow.”

noun

The act of striking your hands together to applaud or make a rhythm.

"The clapping grew louder as the singer took her final bow."

"Rhythmic clapping filled the stadium before kickoff."

How to use clapping

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHitting your palms together, usually to applaud or keep a beat.

Common pairings

loud clapping clapping and cheering rhythmic clapping

Word forms

clappings plural

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The _____ grew louder as the singer took her final bow.

Etymology

From Middle English clappynge; equivalent to clap + -ing.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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applause hand clapping

Related words

applause critique cheering applaud

Rhymes for clapping

mapping rapping tapping lapping yapping zapping napping flapping wrapping trapping slapping snapping

See all rhymes for clapping →

Frequently asked questions

What does “clapping” mean?

The word “clapping” means the act of striking your hands together to applaud or make a rhythm. In plain terms, hitting your palms together, usually to applaud or keep a beat.

How do you pronounce “clapping”?

“Clapping” is pronounced KLA-pihng (/ˈklæpɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “clapping” in a sentence?

Here is “clapping” used in a sentence: “The clapping grew louder as the singer took her final bow.”

What part of speech is “clapping”?

“Clapping” is a noun.

Is “clapping” a common word?

“Clapping” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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