clapper

noun

clap·​per ˈkla-pər 

: 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

Examples of clapper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Every hour, for eight hours a day, a performer in a rotating cast climbs a rope hanging from the bell, flips herself upside down inside it, and acts as a Boschian clapper, using the force of her body and a heavy metal belt. — Lauren Oyler, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

For the 2026 Home Run Derby, Hwang designed a Liberty Bell chain, complete with a functional clapper that makes the bell ring and swing. — Caleb Mezzy, New York Times, 14 July 2026

The three-piece, fan-like clappers are made from recycled material, said Sharon Bollenbach, Toronto’s World Cup executive director. — Mike Householder, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026

Assuming the role of a human clapper, Holzinger struck its lip again and again, sending a sonorous peal across the Biennale grounds. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing clapper

• clapper rail

Rhymes for clapper

• capper
• dapper
• flapper
• kapur
• mapper
• napper
• rapper
• sapper
• snapper
• tapper
• trapper
• wrapper

Kids Definition

clapper

noun

clap·​per ˈklap-ər 

1

: the tongue of a bell

2

: one that makes a clapping sound