clap

1 of 3

verb

clapped also clapt; clapping

transitive verb

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
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

intransitive verb

1
: to produce a percussive sound
especially : slam
2
: to go abruptly or briskly
3

clap

2 of 3

noun (1)

1
: a device that makes a clapping noise
2
obsolete : a sudden stroke of fortune and especially ill fortune
3
: a loud percussive noise
specifically : a sudden crash of thunder
4
a
: a sudden blow
b
: a friendly slap
a clap on the back
5
: the sound of clapping hands
especially : applause

clap

3 of 3

noun (2)

: gonorrhea
often used with the

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
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.
Verb
Millions more cram the sidewalks to clap, bang drums, and wave sardonic homemade signs. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 9 Nov. 2024 Detroit Pistons team owner Tom Gores claps during the press conference on July 30, 2021 at the Pistons Performance Center in Detroit, Michigan. Michael Ozanian, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2024
Noun
Many field athletes lead the crowd in a progressive clap. Marcus Thompson Ii, The Athletic, 8 Aug. 2024 The vibe is also congenial: A multi-generational, full-capacity crowd claps in time to the ebullient techno between games and cheers in unison when an announcement reveals that a Polish couple who’ve just got engaged here will be enjoying top-tier hospitality for the rest of the tournament. Nick Scott, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clap 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English clappen, from Old English clæppan to throb; akin to Old High German klaphōn to beat

Noun (2)

Middle French clapoir bubo

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1587, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clap was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near clap

Cite this Entry

“Clap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clap. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids 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 noun
1
: 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

Medical Definition

clap

noun
: gonorrhea
often used with the

More from Merriam-Webster on clap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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