clap
verb (used with object)
to strike the palms of (one's hands) against one another resoundingly, and usually repeatedly, especially to express approval.
clapping
-
present participleof clap.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There was a telltale uncanniness to it—people clapping too slowly, as if underwater—but there was no disclaimer that it was fake.
From Slate ● Sep. 22, 2026
They stood onstage in a circle, clapping out the permutations of shifting meters—7 beats, 6 beats, or 5—that shape the three sections of a then-brand-new piece, “Fluoroscope.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026
With Boro leading 1-0 in the 80th minute through a Lankshear goal, the striker slowly jogged off the pitch while clapping the fans.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
Clark appeared flabbergasted when she learned she received a technical foul for clapping while her teammate Myisha Hines-Allen and the Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas were in each other’s faces.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 23, 2026
Mr. Stokely said, clapping me on the back.
From "The Million Dollar Shot" by Dan Gutman
