applaud

American  

[uh-plawd] / əˈplɔd /

verb (used without object)

1. to clap the hands as an expression of approval, appreciation, acclamation, etc..

   They applauded wildly at the end of the opera.

2. to express approval; give praise; acclaim.

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verb (used with object)

1. to clap the hands so as to show approval, appreciation, etc., of.

   to applaud an actor; to applaud a speech.

2. to praise or express approval of.

   to applaud a person's ambition.

applaud British  

/ əˈplɔːd /

verb

1. to indicate approval of (a person, performance, etc) by clapping the hands

2. (usually tr) to offer or express approval or praise of (an action, person, or thing)

   I applaud your decision

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Other Word Forms

• applauder noun
• applauding adjective
• applaudingly adverb
• overapplaud verb
• reapplaud verb
• self-applauding adjective
• unapplauded adjective
• unapplauding adjective
• well-applauded adjective

Etymology

Origin of applaud

1530–40; < Latin applaudere, equivalent to ap- ap- ¹ + plaudere to clap the hands

Explanation

To applaud is to show approval, encouragement, or appreciation. You can applaud by clapping your hands at a performance, or you can applaud with just your mouth, as when you tell someone "I applaud your decision to start exercising." The verb applaud goes back to the Latin verb applaudere, "to clap," and it came into English use in the 15th century. Part of the word applaud is laud, which means "praise," and laud is close in spelling to loud. When you applaud, you give loud praise by clapping you hands together. If you really like what someone is doing and want to pat them on the back for it or show encouragement, you might just say "I applaud your efforts."

Example Sentences

Once again, dazed players and staff trudged over to applaud their supporters at Selhurst Park at full-time after throwing away another lead.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

“I want to applaud you because I have had zero — zero — people reach out to me during this tax season about the IRS,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

In 1999, at the Oscars, Elia Kazan was given a lifetime achievement award, and Amy and her husband, Ed Harris, did not stand, did not applaud during the standing ovation.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

There’s a decent chance analysts will applaud, just like they did back in November when management beat expectations and raised guidance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

We all cheer and applaud as Sabrina welcomes Mia to the front of the room.

From "Piecing Me Together" by Renée Watson

Related Words

• approve
• cheer
• commend
• compliment
• encourage
• hail
• laud
• praise
• recommend