# clapping

/ˈkɫæpɪŋ/ (US) · /klˈæpɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clapping
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. applause

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- The clapping lasted for several minutes after the pianist finished the song.
- The rhythmic clapping of the audience intensified as the band returned to the stage for their final encore.

## 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.