applaud

1 of 2

verb

ap·​plaud ə-ˈplȯd 

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

ə-ˈplȯ-də-bəl 

adjective

applaudably

ə-ˈplȯ-də-blē 

adverb

applauder noun

applaudable

2 of 2

adjective

ap·​plaud·​able ə-ˈplȯ-də-bəl 

: worthy of being applauded

applaudably

ə-ˈplȯ-də-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of applaud

Verb

• praise
• hail
• commend
• salute

Examples of applaud in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

Somewhere in New York City on Tuesday night, a roomful of radio industry professionals applauded as the winner of one of broadcasting’s most prestigious awards was announced. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026

Caruso applauded Bass’ support for McDonnell at Tuesday’s event. — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026

Public perceptions of the police also change and are influenced by what people see on social media, said Hrar, who noted that officers were applauded for their bravery during terror attacks in 2015. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French aplaudir, from Latin applaudere, from ad- + plaudere to applaud

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for applaud

• abroad
• backboard
• ballade
• defraud
• ephod
• facade
• guffawed
• outlawed
• ramrod
• roughshod
• slipshod
• tripod

Kids Definition

applaud

verb

ap·​plaud ə-ˈplȯd 

1

: praise sense 1, approve

applaud their efforts

2

: to show approval especially by clapping the hands

applaudable

-ə-bəl 

adjective

applauder noun

Etymology

Verb

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