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

Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento said waiting for the pilot project to wrap up first would only cause unnecessary delays — a remark that drew applause from Creek Team members. —Claire Wang, Oc Register, 10 June 2026

Playing out this irony onstage in school productions, Harbour was rewarded with laughter and applause. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 10 June 2026

But if the applause for any mentions of Wilson at both events is any indication, her endorsement will likely carry more weight than any local pastor or leader. —Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026

The Aries Moon activates partnership, so one person’s response may matter more than the applause. —Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 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