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.
Some members of the nuclear industry applauded the reform. Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 23 May 2025 After the change was announced, Horne applauded the decision. Sam Gillette, People.com, 23 May 2025 Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, applauded the outcome. David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025 Supporters of public education and the separation of church and state, on the other hand, quickly applauded the decision. Abbie Vansickle, New York Times, 22 May 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 28 May. 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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