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 difference between the applause Knight and Keller received during Storrie’s monologue versus the Hughes brothers was glaring (as was their far superior joke delivery). —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 19 Mar. 2026

After the screening, the audience burst out in applause, which is rare in Spain. —John Hopewell, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026

Everyone has their own lifting style — some channel anger and let out a guttural yell before touching the bar, others are into showmanship and encourage the crowd’s applause — but mine, while focused, is all smiles. —Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026

The board unanimously rejected the plan to thunderous applause from a packed house who remained at the meeting for about five hours waiting for the vote. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 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
• 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