clapped also clapt; clapping
1
: to strike (two things, such as two flat, hard surfaces) together so as to produce a sharp percussive noise
2
a
: to strike (the hands) together repeatedly usually in applause
b
: 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
Examples of clap in a Sentence
Verb
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.
Noun (1)
a clap of thunder that woke the whole house up
a sharp clap to the head of the disrespectful youth
Recent Examples on the Web
Julia M. Klein, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025
In the video, Kotb, 60, can be seen clapping as a friend brings Waffles out of a car to her daughters, who are standing in their driveway waiting to meet their new furry friend.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 10 July 2025
Nicholas Kobe, People.com, 6 July 2025
The entire Republican conference applauded when the bill passed, with several shaking Johnson’s hand and giving him a clap on the back.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for clap
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Verb
The founding line walked somberly, holding photographs and drawings of missing relatives, while the more radical marchers sang and clapped boisterously.
—Julia M. Klein, The Atlantic, 11 July 2025
In the video, Kotb, 60, can be seen clapping as a friend brings Waffles out of a car to her daughters, who are standing in their driveway waiting to meet their new furry friend.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
Countless videos have been posted online about clap boxes, showing guests having their magical minute of fame or trying to mess with the cast by going in and out of the box over and over again.
—Nicholas Kobe, People.com, 6 July 2025
The entire Republican conference applauded when the bill passed, with several shaking Johnson’s hand and giving him a clap on the back.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for clap
Cite this Entry
“Clap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clap. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clap
1 of 3 verb
clapped; clapping
1
: to strike noisily : bang
clap two boards together
the door clapped shut
2
: to strike the hands together over and over in applause
3
: to strike with the open hand
clap a 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 make or build hastily
clap together a shelter
clap
2 of 3 noun1
: a sound made by or as if by clapping
a clap of thunder
2
: a friendly slap
a clap on the shoulder
clap
3 of 3 noun
: gonorrhea
—often used with the
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