verb
clap
klap
verb
1
To strike the palms of the hands together to make a sharp sound, especially to applaud.
"The audience clapped enthusiastically at the end of the show."
"She clapped her hands to get the children's attention."
noun
1
The act of clapping, or the sharp sound it makes.
"He gave the winner a friendly clap on the back."
2
A sudden, loud noise, especially of thunder.
"A clap of thunder made everyone jump."
How to Use Clap
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo strike your hands together to make noise or show approval — or the sharp sound itself, including a burst of thunder.
Common pairings
clap of thunder
clap your hands
clap along
Word Forms
clapped past tense, clapt past tense, claps plural, claps singular
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He gave the winner a friendly _____ on the back.
Etymology
From Old English clæppan, of imitative Germanic origin describing a sharp striking sound.