clap
verb (used with object)
to strike the palms of (one's hands) against one another resoundingly, and usually repeatedly, especially to express approval.
was clapping
-
past progressiveof clap.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Beansie was clapping his hands together, trying to keep the blood flowing.
From Salon ● Dec. 24, 2024
Perry, who scored 42 points in a one-point win over Carlsbad on Saturday, is so locked in that he was clapping after being fouled because he knew he couldn’t miss from the line.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 6, 2024
Within seconds, the crowd was clapping and cheering, some people on their feet.
From New York Times ● Jan. 31, 2024
By then, Bell was clapping his way down the third base line.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 6, 2021
Anyway, when he was finished, and everybody was clapping their heads off, old Ernie turned around on his stool and gave this very phony, humble bow.
From "The Catcher in the Rye" by J. D. Salinger
