clapped also clapt; clapping
1
: to strike (two things, such 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
Examples of clap in a Sentence
She clapped in delight when she heard the news.
The audience clapped to the beat of the music.
The conductor clapped her hands twice, and the musicians stopped talking and prepared to play.
He clapped his friend on the shoulder.
He clapped his hand over his mouth when he realized what he had said.
He clapped his hat on his head and went out the door.
She clapped a muzzle on the dog.
The prisoners were clapped in irons.
Recent Examples on the Web
Feint claps for the President could be heard on the ABC broadcast, but they were overwhelmed by the Bronx cheer.
—
Jack Dunn, Variety, 9 June 2026
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and first lady Ri Sol Ju greeted Xi at the airport in Pyongyang, with official footage showing the pair clapping as Xi’s plane landed, kicking off his two-day state visit.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
He and his wife Peng Liyuan were greeted by Kim and his wife Ri Sol Ju, who broadly smiled and clapped.
—Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
The usual response is to clap, which the phenomenon of grade inflation is turning into routine standing ovations.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for clap
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Jack Dunn, Variety, 9 June 2026
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and first lady Ri Sol Ju greeted Xi at the airport in Pyongyang, with official footage showing the pair clapping as Xi’s plane landed, kicking off his two-day state visit.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
He and his wife Peng Liyuan were greeted by Kim and his wife Ri Sol Ju, who broadly smiled and clapped.
—Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
The usual response is to clap, which the phenomenon of grade inflation is turning into routine standing ovations.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for clap
Cite this Entry
“Clap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clap. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clap
1 of 3 verb
clapped; clapping
1
: to strike noisily : bang
clap two boards together
the door clapped shut
2
: to strike the hands together over and over in applause
3
: to strike with the open hand
clap a 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 make or build hastily
clap together a shelter
clap
2 of 3 noun1
: a sound made by or as if by clapping
a clap of thunder
2
: a friendly slap
a clap on the shoulder
clap
3 of 3 noun
: gonorrhea
—often used with the
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