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 of applause

• 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

That’s cramming too many homes on limited acreage, especially in an area where traffic is already dangerous because of so many new developments, two neighbors told the board to applause from the Town Hall audience. —Joe Marusak may 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2026

Royer won the third set when Djokovic sailed a backhand long, triggering a roar of applause from the crowd. —Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

As play began again, there was applause from the Rayo end supporters as one of their own was taken up the steps by medical staff and stewards. —Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 27 May 2026

When Coleman ambled onstage, the audience gasped and broke into applause. —David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 27 May 2026

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
• bylaws
• caspase
• choctaws
• danaus
• diapause
• outlaws
• rickshaws
• subclause
• tawas
• withdraws
• ahs

Kids Definition

applause

noun

ap·​plause ə-ˈplȯz 

: approval shown especially by clapping the hands