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 verb 1 : to strike (as two flat hard surfaces) together so as to produce a sharp percussive noise
2 a : to strike (the hands) together repeatedly usually in applause b : applaud
3 : 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 verb 1 : to produce a percussive sound; especially : slam
2 : to go abruptly or briskly
3 : applaud