claque

[ klak ]

noun
  1. a group of persons hired to applaud an act or performer.

  2. a group of sycophants: The agency head was applauded, as always, by a claque of appointees.

Origin of claque

1
First recorded in 1860–65; from French, derivative of claquer “to clap”

Words that may be confused with claque

Words Nearby claque

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use claque in a sentence

  • Lem Perry, the leader of the claque, had a somewhat set speech, being uninventive in the construction of new phrases.

    Roads of Destiny | O. Henry
  • A claque of his supporters replied with feigned enthusiasm, but a malcontent at Alices side rose and stamped to the door.

    The Half-Hearted | John Buchan

British Dictionary definitions for claque

claque

/ (klæk) /


noun
  1. a group of people hired to applaud

  2. a group of fawning admirers

Origin of claque

1
C19: from French, from claquer to clap, of imitative origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012