Definition of applaud
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.
applauder
nounRead the Latest from M-W
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 of applaud from the Web
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Speaking at a security summit in Singapore, Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada applauded America’s presence in the region and its tough stance on North Korea.
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Democrats have applauded Mnuchin for calling for a clean increase, warning that any repeat of Republicans’ attempt in 2011 to use the debt ceiling to force a budget-cutting agreement would damage the economy.
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Cauffman applauded the board's decision for transparency, which allows everyone, including the project's opponents, to be on the same board.
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After all, Gianforte won his election despite the assault charge; some supporters even applauded him for it.
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Husted appealed the decision to the Supreme Court in February and applauded the justices for agreeing to hear it.
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United States Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos applauds students as they are introduced during commencement exercises, in Daytona Beach, Fla., on May 10, 2017.
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In contrast, superinvestor Warren Buffett, head of Berkshire Hathaway, announced in 2012 that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer (which has been successfully treated) and was applauded for his candor.
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Our Revolution, a committee backed by Senator Bernie Sanders, and Democracy for America, a grass-roots liberal organization — applauded Mr. Quist for his effort but declined to fan grievances against the Democratic Party establishment.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'applaud'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of applaud
Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French aplaudir, from Latin applaudere, from ad- + plaudere to applaud
First Known Use: 15th century
APPLAUD Defined for English Language Learners
applaud
playDefinition of applaud for English Language Learners
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: to strike the hands together over and over to show approval or praise
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: to express approval of or support for (something or someone)
APPLAUD Defined for Kids
Learn More about applaud
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See words that rhyme with applaud Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for applaud Spanish Central: Translation of applaud Nglish: Translation of applaud for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of applaud for Arabic speakers
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