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

The audience burst into applause after the first movement. —Alex Ross, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025

In a white tux, the groom emerged to rousing applause, according to videographer Moziko Wind. —Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2025

Yet once the applause fades, brands must return to the commercial frontlines — livestream rooms, social commerce platforms, and Singles’ Day. —Li Jun, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2025

As the lights came up, the Fort Worth theater erupted with applause as the duo’s name flashed across the credits. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 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