WordLens

clap

1 of 2verb
/klæp/
Forms:claps,clapping,clapped,clapped
1

to strike the palms of one's hands together forcefully, usually to show appreciation or to attract attention

B2
  • The audience clapped enthusiastically after the concert.
  • Children clapped with glee as the magician pulled a rabbit out of the hat.
  • The students clapped in rhythm to the music during the school assembly.
  • The spectators clapped and cheered as the marathon runners crossed the finish line.
  • Guests clapped politely at the end of the speech.
Synonyms:
spat
2

to place or position something quickly, forcefully, or abruptly

transitive
  • He clapped the book on the table and rushed out of the room.
  • The chef clapped the ingredients into the pot, eager to start cooking.
  • The stagehand clapped the props onto the stage, preparing for the next scene.
  • She clapped the papers into a folder and handed them to her colleague.
3

(of birds) to flap their wings audibly

transitive
  • The seagulls clapped their wings as they soared above the ocean waves.
  • The ducks clapped their wings excitedly as they landed on the calm pond.
  • The eagle clapped its wings mightily, lifting off from its perch on the cliff.
  • The parrot clapped its wings twice before settling down on its perch.
  • From the treetops, the colorful toucans could be seen clapping their wings in the jungle.
4

to give a firm and friendly pat or slap on someone's back or shoulder as a sign of encouragement or congratulations

transitive
  • After scoring the winning goal, his teammates clapped him on the back.
  • The coach clapped each player on the shoulder as they walked off the field.
  • She clapped her friend on the back to congratulate her on the promotion.
  • The father proudly clapped his son on the back after he gave a heartfelt speech.
  • The coach clapped the swimmer on the shoulder after she won the race.
5

to defeat someone, especially in a game or competitive setting

  • Don't try him; he'll clap you fast.
  • They clapped the enemy team in under five minutes.
  • She got clapped during the tournament.
  • I nearly clapped my opponent but missed the final shot.