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

If there’s even an infinitesimal difference the crowd can make in these spots, better to hear unscrupulous applause than the death rattle that fell across the Garden as the ball hung in the air then plunged it straight to hell at the end of regulation. —Kyle Wagner, New York Daily News, 23 May 2025

Warm, enthusiastic applause rolled over the auditorium in waves as the film credits rolled, and the Dardennes embraced their co-stars. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025

In the room, Thompson’s admonishment was met with applause. —Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 May 2025

After the screening ended to rapturous applause, Johansson gave Squibb a tender hug that seemed to go on for several minutes. —Alex Ritman, Variety, 20 May 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