Word
clapping
Phoneticsclap·ping, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɫæpɪŋ/
UK/klˈæpɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the sound of people hitting their hands together to show they liked a performance.
n. the rhythmic or collective striking of palms to express appreciation or agreement.
Examples
“The clapping started as soon as the music stopped.”
“After the principal finished her speech, the loud clapping from the students filled the entire hall.”
“The rhythmic clapping of the audience grew in intensity as the performers returned to the stage for their final encore of the evening.”
Examples
simple
“The clapping started as soon as the music stopped.”
contextual
“After the principal finished her speech, the loud clapping from the students filled the entire hall.”
complex
“The rhythmic clapping of the audience grew in intensity as the performers returned to the stage for their final encore of the evening.”
Etymology
From Middle English clappynge; equivalent to clap + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/clapping