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
Crowds of men in matching tracksuits clapped in unison and waved national flags as sand-coloured stallion Hankerven, adorned with jewellery and a traditional carpet, clinched the top prize.
From Barron's ● Jun. 5, 2026
Audience members clapped and sang along to “Thriller” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” and whooped every time Michael — played with admittedly impressive accuracy by Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar — hit a spin or kick.
From Salon ● Apr. 25, 2026
A few of the men clapped me on the back.
From "The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra's Needle" by Dan Gutman
