applaud

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

Synonyms of applaud

• praise
• hail
• commend
• salute

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

What followed was Sedgwick and Bacon each saying something in Czech to the delight of the crowd, which applauded and cheered. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2026

Justin Bieber was one of several headliners at the 2026 event, and his performance was applauded by fans and critics. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

One supporter applauded the board for teaching the Bible and keeping Sharia law out of public schools. — Rachel Royster. Produced With Ai Assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

Ramos and other tribal leaders applauded that step and this year, Ramos is advancing a bill to issue a similar apology on behalf of the Legislature. — Andrew Graham july 8, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

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

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

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