Main Entry:

¹clap

Pronunciation:

\ˈklap\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

clapped also clapt; clap·ping

Etymology:

Middle English clappen, from Old English clæppan to throb; akin to Old High German klaphōn to beat

Date:

14th century

transitive verb1: to strike (as two flat hard surfaces) together so as to produce a sharp percussive noise2 a: to strike (the hands) together repeatedly usually in applause b: applaud3: to strike with the flat of the hand in a friendly way <clapped his friend on the shoulder>4: to place, put, or set especially energetically <clap him into jail> <since I first clapped eyes on it>5: to improvise or build hastily <a hut clapped together from old plywood>intransitive verb1: to produce a percussive sound ; especially : slam2: to go abruptly or briskly3: applaud