Definition of clap
clapped
alsoclapt
;clapping
transitive verb
1 : to strike (two things, such as two flat, hard surfaces) together so as to produce a sharp percussive noise
2a : to strike (the hands) together repeatedly usually in applauseb : applaud
3 : to strike with the flat of the hand in a friendly way clapped his friend on the shoulder
4 : to place, put, or set especially energetically clap him into jail since I first clapped eyes on it
5 : to improvise or build hastily a hut clapped together from old plywood
intransitive verb
1 : to produce a percussive sound; especially : slam
2 : to go abruptly or briskly
3 : applaud
People Are Reading
Examples of clap in a Sentence
She clapped in delight when she heard the news.
The audience clapped to the beat of the music.
The conductor clapped her hands twice, and the musicians stopped talking and prepared to play.
He clapped his friend on the shoulder.
He clapped his hand over his mouth when he realized what he had said.
He clapped his hat on his head and went out the door.
She clapped a muzzle on the dog.
The prisoners were clapped in irons.
Origin and Etymology of clap
Middle English clappen, from Old English clæppan to throb; akin to Old High German klaphōn to beat
First Known Use: 14th century
clap
Definition of clap
13th Century
First Known Use of clap
13th century
Origin and Etymology of clap
Medieval French clapoir bubo
First Known Use: 1587
CLAP Defined for English Language Learners
clap
playDefinition of clap for English Language Learners
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: to hit the palms of your hands together usually more than once
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: to suddenly put the palm of your hand on someone or something
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: to quickly or forcefully put someone or something in a place or position
CLAP Defined for Kids
Definition of clap for Students
clapped
;clapping
1 : to hit (the palms of the hands) together usually more than once
2 : to hit or touch with the open hand He clapped his friend on the shoulder.
3 : to hit together noisily She clapped the two boards together. The door clapped shut.
4 : to put or place quickly or with force He clapped his hat on his head.
Definition of clap for Students
1 : a loud sharp sound a clap of thunder
2 : a hard or a friendly slap a clap on the back
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about clap
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See words that rhyme with clap Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for clap Spanish Central: Translation of clap Nglish: Translation of clap for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of clap for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about clap
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