applause

noun

ap·​plause ə-ˈplȯz How to pronounce applause (audio)
1
: marked commendation : acclaim
the kind of applause every really creative writer wantsRobert Tallant
2
: approval publicly expressed (as by clapping the hands)
a round of applause

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But not before Baldelli awkwardly removed Willi Castro from the game early, hoping to earn him applause, and instead setting off more speculation. Dan Hayes, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 They will be showered with confetti and applause, not to mention be awarded $750,000 for their efforts. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Hamas to free the remaining hostages being held in Gaza during a combative speech at the UN General Assembly marked by walkouts and a smattering of American applause. Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025 Kimmel walked onto the stage to a roar of applause from his studio audience and chants of his name. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for applause

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of applause was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Applause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/applause. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

applause

noun
ap·​plause ə-ˈplȯz How to pronounce applause (audio)
: approval shown especially by clapping the hands

More from Merriam-Webster on applause

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