clapboard

noun

clap·​board ˈkla-bərd  ˈkla(p)-ˌbȯrd 

1

archaic : a size of board for making staves and wainscoting

2

: a narrow board usually thicker at one edge than the other used for siding

3

ˈklap-ˌbȯrd  : a pair of hinged boards one of which has a slate with data identifying a piece of film and which are banged together in front of a motion-picture camera at the start of a take to facilitate editing

called also clapper board

clapboard transitive verb

Examples of clapboard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The series, which is also available on Netflix, sees the duo living comfortably in an impossibly charming Connecticut town known for green lawns, clapboard houses, and quirky personalities. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 16 Dec. 2024

Low maintenance clapboard siding will deliver a traditional New England look. —James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 24 Nov. 2024

Many of the old dogtrot homes and clapboard houses can be found around the state. —Curtis Varnell The Timepiece, arkansasonline.com, 13 Oct. 2024

In September, Porte Jacquemus visits New York to oversee final renovations to his first American storefront, housed within a clapboard edifice on the corner of Spring and Wooster streets. —Nathan Heller, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

partial translation of Dutch klaphout stave wood

First Known Use

circa 1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

clapboard

noun

clap·​board ˈklab-ərd  ˈkla(p)-ˌbō(ə)rd 

-ˌbȯ(ə)rd

: a narrow board thicker at one edge than at the other used to cover the sides of wooden buildings

clapboard verb