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

Picking a fight with a billionaire may win short-term applause. — Sara Albrecht, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2026

Since taking office, Newsom has appeared at several annual Climate Week events in New York and used his speaking opportunities to blast Trump in traditionally apolitical forums, often garnering international applause. — Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026

The screenings, which drew applause and tears throughout, also gave students the opportunity to engage in the post-screening Q&A with the film’s producer, Priscilla Bertin, and screenwriter Fanny Burdino. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 Nov. 2026

The talk-show host, Stiller and Grande portray three siblings scheming for wealthy dad De Niro’s inheritance through passive-aggressive one-liners and a lot of derisive applause. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 9 Nov. 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