applaud
verb (used without object)
to clap the hands as an expression of approval, appreciation, acclamation, etc..
were applauding
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past progressiveof applaud.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.
They were applauding, announcing a social program for the elderly.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 8, 2026
And when I went to make my bow and people were applauding me, I begun applauding the soldiers.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 25, 2023
The audience clapped excitedly after the movement, either inspired by its feeling or thinking they were applauding the end of Clara’s Romances.
From New York Times ● Jan. 26, 2023
"A year ago people were applauding health workers. Now they're cursing them," says Dr Milan Kubek, president of the Czech Medical Chamber.
From BBC ● Jan. 25, 2022
They were applauding her by opening and closing their little green hands quickly.
From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut
