: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The desk also has NFL insider Mike Florio and enthusiastic clapper Jason Garrett. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 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 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 See All Example Sentences for clapper

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clapper was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clapper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clapper. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: the tongue of a bell
2
: one that makes a clapping sound

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