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.
The applause duly began before the famous door opened, so the first sight and sound to greet Andy Burnham and his wife were crowds of clapping staff, crammed into the Downing Street hall.
From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026
Trump stayed put, however, clapping and smiling until Rodri thrusted the trophy skyward and gold confetti shot from cannons behind them to officially start the celebration.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026
In Kyiv, an AFP reporter saw protesters clapping and banging the cardboard placards that became a symbol of last summer's anti-government protests, chanting "shame" and "Fedorov".
From Barron's ● Jul. 18, 2026
"Even the sentence about people clapping when the plane lands - that's so Puerto Rico!" she tells the BBC World Service's Outside Source programme.
From BBC ● Jun. 12, 2026
One hundred men from Alabama crossed a bridge and paraded into town, where union families lined the street, clapping and cheering.
From "Fannie Never Flinched" by Mary Cronk Farrell
