clap
verb (used with object)
to strike the palms of (one's hands) against one another resoundingly, and usually repeatedly, especially to express approval.
clapped
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past participleof clap.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof clap.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
clapverb (used with object)to strike the palms of (one's hands) against one another resoundingly, and usually repeatedly, especially to express approval.
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.
"To my wife and children, I love you. Goodbye," the PM said, before several MPs stood up and clapped for Starmer as he went to shake the Speaker of the House of Commons' hand.
From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026
When Verdugo appointed himself mayor, the audience whooped and clapped.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026
The ex-Manchester mayor was clapped and cheered as some 200 Labour MPs welcomed him back to parliament after a nine-year absence for his swearing in on Monday, hours after Starmer tendered his resignation.
From Barron's ● Jun. 23, 2026
One star seemed genuinely enthralled that people recognized her and clapped when she came out, the other one seemed like he couldn’t get out of the show fast enough and get back to bed.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 13, 2026
He grunted and swatted his stubby hands at me, but once I said I had a message for him to deliver, he clapped his hands and smiled, showing tiny yellow teeth.
From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff
