claps

Noun

clap (plural claps)

1. The act of striking the palms of the hands, or any two surfaces, together.
   • He summoned the waiter with a clap.
2. The explosive sound of thunder.
   • The deafening claps of thunder and the dazzling flashes of lightning which lit up the ghastly scene testified that the artillery of heaven had lent its supernatural pomp to the already gruesome spectacle.1922 February 2, James Joyce, “[[Episode 12: The Cyclops]]”, in Ulysses, Paris: Shakespeare and Company […], →OCLC

   Synonyms:

   thunderclap

3. Any loud, sudden, explosive sound made by striking hard surfaces together, or resembling such a sound.
   • Off in the distance, he heard the clap of thunder.
4. A slap with the hand, usually in a jovial manner.
   • His father's affection never went further than a handshake or a clap on the shoulder.
5. A single, sudden act or motion; a stroke; a blow.
   • What, fifty of my followers at a clap!c. 1603–1606, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of King Lear”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount...
6. The nether part of the beak of a hawk.

See all 18 meanings of clap