WordGarden.ioclap
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /klˈæp/
US
- /ˈklæp/
Meanings
Verb
to strike the hands together, especially to applaud
to put or strike something suddenly into place
Noun
an act of clapping the hands
a sudden sharp sound
(slang)gonorrhea
Beyond the definition
To clap is to bring your palms together sharply, creating a short, percussive sound. We often clap our hands to show appreciation—think of the end of a great performance! But it isn’t always about applause. You might clap during a song to keep the beat, or hear a sudden clap of thunder during a storm. The word can be used as both an action and a noun, describing a single burst of sound and energy.
Clapping is the act of striking your palms together to create a sharp, rhythmic sound. Most commonly, we associate clapping with applause—a way to express approval or admiration for a performance, speech, or achievement. After a particularly moving piano concerto, you'd likely join in the clapping with everyone else in the audience to show your support.
However, clapping isn't limited to showing appreciation. It can also be used rhythmically, like when children clap along to nursery rhymes or musicians use handclaps as a percussive element in a song. Beyond the hands, the word is used to describe sudden, explosive noises, such as a "clap of thunder" or the sharp sound of two objects colliding. You might also "clap" someone on the back in a friendly, energetic greeting.
The word functions as both a verb ("She clapped her hands in delight") and a noun ("a loud clap of thunder"). In informal English, the clap is slang for gonorrhea (a sexually transmitted infection), and to clap back means to reply sharply to criticism. Whether it's a celebratory burst of applause, a rhythmic beat, or an unexpected noise, "clap" is a versatile word connected to sound, rhythm, and expression.
Examples
- 1
Performance applause
The audience clapped when the singer finished her last song.
- 2
Congratulations
We all clapped for Mia when she got the job.
- 3
Music rhythm
The children clapped along to the music.
- 4
Getting attention
She clapped her hands to get everyone's attention.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Friendly gesture
He clapped me on the shoulder and said, “Good luck.”
- Patternclap someone on the shoulder
tap them lightly in a friendly way
- 6
Thunder sound
A loud clap of thunder woke us up in the middle of the night.
- Phrasea clap of thunder
a sudden loud sound of thunder
- 7
Single clap
The little boy gave one excited clap when he saw the cake.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- clapnounverb
Forms
- clapping-ing formverbnoun
- clappedpast tenseverbnoun
- clapspluralnounverb