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
Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 20 July 2025
As the song continued, Amora, from her highchair, chewed her food and clapped alongside her mom to the song.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 15 July 2025
Troy Onyango, Time, 24 July 2025
Remain inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder clap.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for clap
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show current usage.
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Verb
The short clip shows Aguilera — an executive producer on the musical — smiling and clapping during the performance, with scenes from the production spliced throughout.
—Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 20 July 2025
As the song continued, Amora, from her highchair, chewed her food and clapped alongside her mom to the song.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
The rumble of discontent grew into the rapturous clap of thunder.
—Troy Onyango, Time, 24 July 2025
Remain inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder clap.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 18 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 29 Jul. 2025.
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