clap
clap Lexical Profile
clap Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An act of striking the palms of the hands together, especially to express approval or applause.
"Let us give the guest speaker a big clap for her insightful presentation."
An explosive, sharp noise, particularly of thunder.
"A sudden clap of thunder rattled the windowpanes during the midnight storm."
A friendly, abrupt slap with the open hand, typically on a person's shoulder or back.
"He greeted his old colleague with a warm smile and a hearty clap on the shoulder."
• verb
To strike the palms of one's hands together repeatedly, typically to express approval or keep a rhythm.
"The entire audience began to clap enthusiastically as the orchestra finished the symphony."
To strike someone lightly and amicably with an open hand, such as on the back or shoulder.
"The coach walked over to clap the exhausted runner on the back after the race."
To put or place something somewhere quickly, suddenly, or decisively.
"She had to clap her hand over the microphone to prevent the feedback from echoing."
• Rhymes for clap
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English clappian, meaning 'to beat, throb, or make a sharp noise,' of imitative origin.