English Reference
noun

clapping

n.
US /ˈkɫæpɪŋ/ UK /klˈæpɪŋ/ clap·ping

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    the sound of people hitting their hands together to show they liked a performance.

    the rhythmic or collective striking of palms to express appreciation or agreement.

    Simple

    The clapping lasted for several minutes after the pianist finished the song.

    In context

    The rhythmic clapping of the audience intensified as the band returned to the stage for their final encore.


From Middle English clappynge; equivalent to clap + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English clappynge
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Frequent
Updated