clap back

1 of 2

verb

clapped back; clapping back; claps back

intransitive verb

US, informal
: to respond quickly and sharply to criticism
A lot of times when someone says something nasty to you online, your gut reaction is to clap back right away. It's always good to take a cooling-off period—I recommend sleeping on it.Patrick Crowley
This week, Mandy Moore clapped back at haters on Instagram after people accused her of Photoshopping her social media photos … "I am 5'10 and a size 6. I have NEVER photoshopped pictures … That's not what I'm about. If you're going to be rude about people's bodies, go elsewhere."Kitty Lindsay

clapback

2 of 2

noun

clap·​back ˈklap-ˌbak How to pronounce clapback (audio)
variants or less commonly clap back
plural clapbacks also clap backs
US, informal
: a quick, sharp, and effective response to criticism
Not to be confused with a garden-variety diss, a clapback is deemed by most as a targeted, often viciously acute comeback intended to place someone in much-needed check.Aaron Edwards and Ira Madison III
We all love a good clapback. It's a comeback but with that extra oomph.Mathew Rodriguez
The art of the clap back is a study in discernment, wit, and instinct, which is why it should come as no surprise that Rihanna, Internet queen, is the reigning champ of shutting down the haters.Cady Lang

Examples of clap back in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
Stevie Wonder used his Detroit homecoming as an opportunity to clap back at presidential candidate Donald Trump for disrespecting the city during the campaign. Gary Graff, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2024 Christina Hall Seemingly Trolls Estranged Husband Josh with New Selfie Caption Her latest post isn't the first time the HGTV star has clapped back at one of Josh’s dispatches. Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 2 Aug. 2024
Noun
Carly Pearce is fast becoming country music’s queen of the clapback. Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024 Still, this clapback hasn’t stopped fans from making comments about Cardi B’s plastic surgery experiences. Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clap back 

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1990, in the meaning defined above

Noun

2003, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clap back was in 1990

Dictionary Entries Near clap back

clap

clap back

clapback

Cite this Entry

“Clap back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clap%20back. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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