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View synonyms for clapper

clapper

[ klap-er ]

noun

  1. a person who applauds.
  2. the tongue of a bell.
  3. Slang. the tongue.
  4. Usually clappers. two flat sticks held between the fingers and struck rhythmically against each other to produce abrupt, sharp sounds.
  5. Printing. a platen press.


clapper

/ ˈklæpə /

noun

  1. a person or thing that claps
  2. a contrivance for producing a sound of clapping, as for scaring birds
  3. Also calledtongue a small piece of metal suspended within a bell that causes it to sound when made to strike against its side
  4. See tongue
    a slang word for tongue
  5. go like the clappers informal.
    go like the clappersrun like the clappersmove like the clappers to move extremely fast


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Word History and Origins

Origin of clapper1

First recorded in 1250–1300, clapper is from the Middle English word claper. See clap 1, -er 1

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Example Sentences

But why was James Clapper the man chosen to pick them up from Pyongyang?

In March, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper confirmed this in a letter to Congress.

Asked whether the National Security Agency collects “any type of data at all on millions of Americans,” Clapper said, “No, sir.”

Instead, Clapper responded with an egregious falsehood, if not an outright lie.

Wyden made news last year when he caught Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper in an obvious lie.

A clapper of conies, a heap of stones, &c., whereinto they retire themselves'; Cotgrave.

We had gained the Bell-and-Clapper Station as he spoke: two minutes yet before the train for the city would be in.

After staying there awhile and giving satisfaction, she changed to the refreshment-room at the Bell-and-Clapper.

“I got it safe enough; it was directed to the Bell-and-Clapper room,” returned Lizzie.

By this time, Jonas had got the leather off so far, that he could get at the clapper to mend it.

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clapped-outclapperboard