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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The praise is at odds with Liam Gallagher’s feelings on the band, who clapped back at the band following an interview where Fontaines said that the Oasis reunion didn’t excite them. Thomas Smith, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2024 The country singer, 27, clapped back at a TikTok video criticizing her hairstyle at the 2024 CMA Awards. Catherine Santino, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
After Dunne's recent TikTok clapback, fans quickly reacted. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 Carly Pearce is fast becoming country music’s queen of the clapback. Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 15 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 21 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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