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Showing results for applause. Search instead for applausive.
Synonyms

applause

American  
[uh-plawz] / əˈplɔz /

noun

  1. hand clapping as a demonstration of approval, appreciation, acclamation, or the like.

  2. any positive expression of appreciation or approval; acclamation.

    Synonyms:
    praise, plaudit, acclaim
applause British  
/ əˈplɔːz /

noun

  1. appreciation or praise, esp as shown by clapping the hands

"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

Other Word Forms

  • applausive adjective
  • self-applause noun
  • unapplausive adjective

Etymology

Origin of applause

1590–1600; < Latin applausus struck upon, applauded (past participle of applaudere ), equivalent to ap- ap- 1 + plaud- clap + -tus past participle suffix

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.

News of millennial feminism’s demise has been met with much applause.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

Woodland received a warm reception from the crowd down the stretch, which turned to rapturous applause and chants of "Gary, Gary" as he sank his putt for victory.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

There was applause from guests in the East Room of the White House, who included French first lady Brigitte Macron.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

The crowd erupted in the loudest applause of the evening.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

The speech was inspiring, and the room erupted in applause.

From "City Spies" by James Ponti

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.