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

There were maybe two boos when Khanna reaffirmed Israel’s right to exist, and the concluding applause was polite. —Noah Bierman, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2024

And now, amid the applause, A.D.F. leaders looked ahead. —Lisa Lerer, New York Times, 28 May 2024

After the applause, the hospital staff leaves the TED Talk forum with big hugs all around. —Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 22 May 2024

The ovation wasn’t the only chance for applause — the audience erupted into cheers numerous times during the two-hour film, including on several occasions during one wild scene in which the oligarch’s associates raid his son’s mansion. —Ellise Shafer, Variety, 21 May 2024

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

Kids Definition

applause

noun

ap·​plause ə-ˈplȯz 

: approval shown especially by clapping the hands