applause

noun

ap·​plause ə-ˈplȯz 

1

: marked commendation : acclaim

the kind of applause every really creative writer wants

—Robert Tallant

2

: approval publicly expressed (as by clapping the hands)

a round of applause

Synonyms

• ovation

Examples of applause in a Sentence

The announcement was greeted with applause and cheers.

a design for a memorial for the victims of the attack that has received nothing but applause from officials, commentators, and the general public

Recent Examples on the Web

Even more depressing is the scene at the end of President Andrews' address, when both sides of the aisle and all of the spectators rise in unanimous, unrestrained applause. —Arkansas Online, 28 June 2025

Cameras rolled, the livestream spiked and mission control erupted in applause. —Shekar Natarajan, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

But even as the Canucks’ celebration took center ice, the Charlotte crowd echoed with applause and appreciation for one of the most electric seasons in Charlotte Checkers history. —Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2025

His grit and perseverance deserve all the applause. Congrats, Robert. —Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 20 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin applausus, from Latin, beating of wings, from applaudere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing applause

• round of applause
• self-applause

Rhymes for applause

• because
• byelaws
• bylaws
• caspase
• choctaws
• danaus
• macaws
• outlaws
• rickshaws
• subclause
• tawas
• withdraws

Kids Definition

applause

noun

ap·​plause ə-ˈplȯz 

: approval shown especially by clapping the hands