clapper

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noun clap·per \ ˈkla-pər \

Definition of clapper

:one that claps: such as

a :the tongue of a bell

b :a mechanical device that makes noise especially by the banging of one part against another

c :a person who applauds

See clapper defined for English-language learners

See clapper defined for kids

Recent Examples of clapper from the Web

There’s no clapper in the addition to the sculpture garden, which features a bell that was repurposed after it was rejected by a German church that didn’t like its tone.

— chris hewitt, Twin Cities, "Minneapolis Sculpture Garden ready to reopen — minus the controversial ‘Scaffold’," 6 June 2017
Prather came down the stairs, and ducked under the bell to remove the clapper.

— lynn ischay, cleveland.com, "Bells removed from Zion's tower in Tremont -- a suite will fill the belfry (photos)," 27 May 2017
When the clapper was later stolen, students continued to ring it by pounding it with sledge hammers.

— tom mcghee, The Denver Post, "Bell stolen from Colorado State University a century ago returned to campus," 23 Apr. 2017
After ringing so long, and so loudly, the clapper fell off.

— juliet macur, New York Times, "For Peyton Manning, the Setting Is Perfect for a Curtain Call," 7 Feb. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'clapper.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of clapper

14th century

CLAPPER Defined for English Language Learners

clapper

play

noun

Definition of clapper for English Language Learners

: a metal ball that hangs inside a bell and hits the inside of the bell to make it ring

CLAPPER Defined for Kids

clapper

play

noun clap·per \ ˈkla-pər \

Definition of clapper for Students

:the part hanging inside a bell that hits the sides to make the bell ring

Learn More about clapper

See words that rhyme with clapper Spanish Central: Translation of clapper Nglish: Translation of clapper for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about clapper

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