applaud

verb

ap·​plaud ə-ˈplȯd How to pronounce applaud (audio)
applauded; applauding; applauds
Synonyms of applaudnext

intransitive verb

: to express approval especially by clapping the hands
The audience applauded at the end of the performance.

transitive verb

1
: to express approval of : praise
I applaud her efforts to lose weight.
2
: to show approval of especially by clapping the hands
Spectators applauded the team.
applaudable
ə-ˈplȯ-də-bəl How to pronounce applaud (audio)
adjective
applaudably
ə-ˈplȯ-də-blē How to pronounce applaud (audio)
adverb
applauder noun

Synonyms of applaud

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Examples of applaud in a Sentence

Everyone applauded the graduates as they entered the auditorium. The audience stood and applauded her performance. We applaud the decision to lower taxes. I applaud their efforts to clean up the city, but they must do more. Rather than being criticized for her honesty, she should be applauded for it.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Leo wants to be seen, heard, appreciated and, ideally, applauded before the night is over. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026 The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, a nonprofit organization that provides pro bono help for reporters and news organizations, applauded the judge’s decision in a statement Thursday evening. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 23 July 2026 To what extent should the effective use of AI in the application process be applauded? — Cami Fateh, Vogue, 22 July 2026 The star also applauded celebrities becoming more open about their decision to get cosmetic work. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for applaud

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French aplaudir, from Latin applaudere, from ad- + plaudere to applaud

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of applaud was in the 15th century

Rhymes for applaud

See All Rhymes for applaud

Browse Nearby Words

appl
applaud
applaudable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Applaud.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/applaud. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

applaud

verb
ap·​plaud ə-ˈplȯd How to pronounce applaud (audio)
1
: praise sense 1, approve
applaud their efforts
2
: to show approval especially by clapping the hands
applaudable
-ə-bəl How to pronounce applaud (audio)
adjective
applauder noun
Etymology

from early French aplaudir "to applaud," from Latin applaudere (same meaning), from ap-, ad- "to, toward" and plaudere "to clap" — related to explode, plaudit, plausible see Word History at explode, plausible

More from Merriam-Webster on applaud

Nglish: Translation of applaud for Spanish Speakers

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