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
Synonyms
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
Julie Mazziotta, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Members of the band then burst through the door with a galvanizing musical salute that saw audiences cheer and clap along with jovial captivating.
—Sam Falb, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2024
Nick Scott, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024
In an amusing side-by-side clip showing the Only Murders in the Building star, 32, at the award show and joking around about practicing her clap, Gomez can be seen doing nearly the exact same motions.
—Staff Author, Peoplemag, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clap 
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Verb
In a fan video shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), Swift can be seen cheering and clapping next to Donna, before pointing out someone on the field.
—Julie Mazziotta, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Members of the band then burst through the door with a galvanizing musical salute that saw audiences cheer and clap along with jovial captivating.
—Sam Falb, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
The vibe is also congenial: A multi-generational, full-capacity crowd claps in time to the ebullient techno between games and cheers in unison when an announcement reveals that a Polish couple who’ve just got engaged here will be enjoying top-tier hospitality for the rest of the tournament.
—Nick Scott, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024
In an amusing side-by-side clip showing the Only Murders in the Building star, 32, at the award show and joking around about practicing her clap, Gomez can be seen doing nearly the exact same motions.
—Staff Author, Peoplemag, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clap
Articles Related to clap
Dictionary Entries Near clap
Cite this Entry
“Clap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clap. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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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