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 of applause

• ovation

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 risk is overselling before the details are ready or confusing applause with commitment. — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

My applause is directed to San Diego State University students in the School of Public Affairs who, in working with BikeSD, completed this important report. — U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

And from the day he was hired, he really has been swept along by the sound of applause. — Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

The department's decision was met with an eruption of applause. — Lyanne Wang, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for applause

• because
• bylaws
• caspase
• choctaws
• danaus
• diapause
• outlaws
• rickshaws
• subclause
• tawas
• withdraws
• ahs

Kids Definition

applause

noun

ap·​plause ə-ˈplȯz 

: approval shown especially by clapping the hands