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

The moment had members of the crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on their feet, while Alcaraz soaked up the applause with a huge grin. —George Ramsay, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2025

The movie received a 13-minute standing ovation at Venice, according to Variety, marking the longest applause of this year's festival so far. —Jen Juneau, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025

While airborne, the dancer crosses his legs in the air twice before landing, a feat that thrills ballet enthusiasts who are known to burst into applause at its conclusion. —Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025

Shakira responded by kneeling alongside her and embracing her warmly, as the crowd erupted in applause. —Natalia Cano, Billboard, 31 Aug. 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