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

As he was handcuffed and removed from the courtroom, spectators erupted in cheers and applause, according to footage from the courtroom. —N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 18 June 2026

If applause starts to matter too much, pause, breathe, return to the joy of making, let results speak. —Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026

Speakers were fairly split between support and opposition of the project, with applause from the audience for each side as public comment proceeded. —Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026

The 44-year-old Williams was welcomed by a huge roar and applause to center court at the Steffi Graf Stadion, which quickly filled up as fans snacking and drinking outside realized the main attraction was about to start. —ABC News, 16 June 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