clap
verb (used with object)
to strike the palms of (one's hands) against one another resoundingly, and usually repeatedly, especially to express approval.
claps
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present tense formof clap (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
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.
As we sat in the hot Cupertino sun, I noticed long stretches of attentive silence, occasional polite claps and a few cheers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 14, 2026
Anderson stops at second base, claps his hands four times, then stands there quietly.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 19, 2026
Still carrying his school bag, he claps his hands - a gesture that appears calm.
From BBC ● Feb. 25, 2026
The machine was collected from North Shields in March 2024 and was welcomed with claps and cheers when it reached Coniston later that day.
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2025
She laughs and claps until the picture changes.
From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon
