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

Fermin was met with loud applause before stepping into the batter’s box for his first at-bat in the second inning. — Kansas City Star, 19 July 2026

As Rebordinos appeared on stage to present the 23 Spanish titles at this year’s festival, flanked by Beloki, an industry audience got its feet to give him a spontaneous but rousing applause. — John Hopewell, Variety, 17 July 2026

The audience’s screams and applause for Knight and Keller lasted nearly 28 seconds. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Meanwhile, Nielsen's statements were met with bursts of applause. — Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 15 July 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