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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tucker stepped out of the batter’s box to tip his helmet toward both a roaring crowd and the applauding Astros dugout. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 28 June 2025 Despite Democratic skepticism, nearly all Republicans have applauded Trump's decision to strike Iran. Arkansas Online, 28 June 2025 Baseball America editor-in-chief J.J. Cooper, whose publication annually rates the Angels’ farm system as one of the worst in the sport, had to take a step back to applaud the moment. Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 26 June 2025 Andrew Cuomo Rivals Unite Against Him Before NYC Democratic Mayoral Primary Ocasio-Cortez reacted to the concession by applauding the New York state assemblyman. Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for applaud

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Applaud.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/applaud. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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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