1
: marked commendation : acclaim
the kind of applause every really creative writer wants—
Robert Tallant
Robert Tallant2
: approval publicly expressed (as by clapping the hands)
a round of applause
Synonyms
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
The pair traded lyrics back and forth before Bieber emerged from the side-stage shadows to rumbling applause.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2024
To thunderous applause and cheers, Clark appeared at the Weekend Update desk smiling.
—Anne McCarthy, Variety, 14 Apr. 2024
Chu said that time taught him the importance of theatrical, to huge applause from the ballroom crowd.
—Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Apr. 2024
Following a respectful silence after the work’s melancholy conclusion, the audience responded with heartfelt applause.
—Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2024
On cue, Glinda and Elphaba themselves — Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo — emerged from the wings to thunderous applause.
—Christi Carras, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
During the appearance, both men also finally picked up their diplomas, with Travis chugging a beer before grabbing his paperwork to the crowd’s wild applause.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 Apr. 2024
Disney’s session collectively drew the most applause and laughter of the week.
—Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Apr. 2024
Reeves’ appearance drew loud applause from the theater owners he’s made a lot of money for over the decades.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 10 Apr. 2024
Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2024
To thunderous applause and cheers, Clark appeared at the Weekend Update desk smiling.
—Anne McCarthy, Variety, 14 Apr. 2024
Chu said that time taught him the importance of theatrical, to huge applause from the ballroom crowd.
—Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Apr. 2024
Following a respectful silence after the work’s melancholy conclusion, the audience responded with heartfelt applause.
—Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2024
On cue, Glinda and Elphaba themselves — Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo — emerged from the wings to thunderous applause.
—Christi Carras, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
During the appearance, both men also finally picked up their diplomas, with Travis chugging a beer before grabbing his paperwork to the crowd’s wild applause.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 Apr. 2024
Disney’s session collectively drew the most applause and laughter of the week.
—Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Apr. 2024
Reeves’ appearance drew loud applause from the theater owners he’s made a lot of money for over the decades.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 10 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'applause.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Applause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/applause. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
applause
noun
ap·plause
ə-ˈplȯz 
: approval shown especially by clapping the hands
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