clapping

Verb

clap (third-person singular simple present claps, present participle clapping, simple past and past participle clapped or (archaic) clapt)

1. (intransitive) To strike the palms of the hands together, creating a sharp sound.
   • The children began to clap in time with the music.

   Synonyms:

   applaud, beclap

2. (transitive) To applaud.
   • The audience loudly clapped the actress, who responded with a deep curtsey.

   Synonyms:

   acclaim, applaud, hurrah, acclamate, hail, barrack, beclap, cheer, cheer on, encheer

3. (transitive) To slap with the hand in a jovial manner.
   • He would often clap his teammates on the back for encouragement.
4. (ambitransitive) To bring two surfaces together forcefully, creating a sharp sound.
   • He clapped the empty glass down on the table.
5. (obsolete) To slam (a door or window); formerly often construed with to.
   • Hostesse clap to the doores.c. 1597 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The First Part of Henry the Fourth, […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and...
6. (transitive) To create or assemble (something) hastily (usually followed by up or together).
   • We should clap together a shelter before nightfall.

See all 18 meanings of clap