clap
verb (used with object)
to strike the palms of (one's hands) against one another resoundingly, and usually repeatedly, especially to express approval.
were 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.
In that moment, we were happy, we were clapping, we might have even been hopeful.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026
"People should seek treatment when they fall ill," he said as he turned to thank the healthcare workers behind him who were clapping.
From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026
This caused the beating hind wings to strike the back edges of the elytra, like the two wing pairs were clapping.
From Science Daily ● May 15, 2024
And every single one of your friends was making fun of you But 15 seconds latеr, they were clapping, too?
From Salon ● Oct. 31, 2022
He was barking and his feet were skidding all over the polished Pick'It'Quick floor, and people were clapping and hollering and pointing.
From "Because of Winn-Dixie" by Kate DiCamillo
