applaud

verb

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

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 adjective
applaudably adverb
applauder noun

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 Many tribal leaders across the state have applauded Walz for improving government relations with tribes, honoring tribal sovereignty, and passing legislation to improve the well-being of Indigenous people. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 1 Oct. 2024 In the crowd, his teen-age son, Gus, applauded and cried. Molly Fischer, The New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2024 Here are some of the things Gen Zers care most about: Inclusivity: Gen Z applauds inclusivity in fashion. Alison Bringé, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 As the film played, the close to 300 people sitting at the museum’s Tedd Mann Theater laughed, cheered and applauded. Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for applaud 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'applaud.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near applaud

Cite this Entry

“Applaud.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/applaud. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.

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 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

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