applaud

verb

ap·​plaud ə-ˈplȯd How to pronounce applaud (audio)
applauded; applauding; applauds

intransitive verb

: to express approval especially by clapping the hands
The audience applauded at the end of the performance.

transitive verb

1
: to express approval of : praise
I applaud her efforts to lose weight.
2
: to show approval of especially by clapping the hands
Spectators applauded the team.
applaudable adjective
applaudably adverb
applauder noun

Examples of applaud in a Sentence

Everyone applauded the graduates as they entered the auditorium. The audience stood and applauded her performance. We applaud the decision to lower taxes. I applaud their efforts to clean up the city, but they must do more. Rather than being criticized for her honesty, she should be applauded for it.
Recent Examples on the Web Hough also applauded Erbert’s determination and strength throughout her healing process. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 At the Kingston premiere, on Kingsley’s first line, the audience applauded. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 Some physicians and scientists applauded the discovery; others refused to accept it. Delthia Ricks, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Ihimaera’s insights offer a deeper understanding of cultural representation in media, applauding the film for amplifying indigenous voices and themes worldwide, while faithfully capturing the essence of his original tale. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2024 Some of these Southern travel stops are known for impressive regional in-house foods, including barbecue and biscuits, while others are applauded for offering the cleanest bathrooms, friendly staff, and good prices. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024 Related article Orthorexia: An eating disorder that few people understand and many accidentally applaud In an ideal world, of course, people should go to their provider. Katia Hetter, CNN, 5 Mar. 2024 This access opens up new opportunities for sellers to tap into existing customer bases and leverage brand recognition, a benefit frequently applauded in reviews of Why Unified. Tyler Shepherd, Detroit Free Press, 4 Mar. 2024 Some stared blankly into space, while others chuckled and applauded on cue. Robyn Dixon, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'applaud.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French aplaudir, from Latin applaudere, from ad- + plaudere to applaud

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of applaud was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near applaud

Cite this Entry

“Applaud.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/applaud. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

applaud

verb
ap·​plaud ə-ˈplȯd How to pronounce applaud (audio)
1
: praise sense 1, approve
applaud their efforts
2
: to show approval especially by clapping the hands
applaudable adjective
applauder noun
Etymology

from early French aplaudir "to applaud," from Latin applaudere (same meaning), from ap-, ad- "to, toward" and plaudere "to clap" — related to explode, plaudit, plausible see Word History at explode, plausible

More from Merriam-Webster on applaud

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