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

Ivey's comments sparked loud applause and cheers from the audience. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025

The Gary Common Council unanimously voted against rezoning for a new gas station in the city, inciting applause and approval from various public commenters. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025

Following the screening, the audience erupted into applause and stayed seated for the Q&A with Landon, Fahy and Sklenar. —Emily Longeretta, Variety, 10 Mar. 2025

Julia Garner will no doubt garner applause for her masterful Criterion Closet picks, ranging from auteurs Spike Lee to Bong Joon Ho. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 7 Mar. 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