applause

noun

ap·​plause ə-ˈplȯz 

1

: marked commendation : acclaim

the kind of applause every really creative writer wants

—Robert Tallant

2

: approval publicly expressed (as by clapping the hands)

a round of applause

Synonyms

• acclamation
• cheer
• cheering
• ovation
• plaudit(s)
• rave(s)
• réclame

Examples of applause in a Sentence

The announcement was greeted with applause and cheers.

a design for a memorial for the victims of the attack that has received nothing but applause from officials, commentators, and the general public

Recent Examples on the Web

The applause break got added in, and then they were satiated. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025

His performance left the coaches visibly moved, and the audience responded with raucous applause. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 15 Apr. 2025

There is hearty applause for the two teams and whenever this happens, a small dog incessantly barks. —Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

As the buzzer sounded and Consolidated fans roared with applause, Panther players walked slowly and somberly to the sideline while the Tigers rushed to each other in celebration, starting a dogpile. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin applausus, from Latin, beating of wings, from applaudere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing applause

• round of applause
• self-applause

Rhymes for applause

• because
• byelaws
• bylaws
• caspase
• choctaws
• danaus
• macaws
• outlaws
• rickshaws
• subclause
• tawas
• withdraws

Kids Definition

applause

noun

ap·​plause ə-ˈplȯz 

: approval shown especially by clapping the hands