Pronunciation: /klæp/

Definitions of clap

noun the act of striking the palms of the hands together with a sudden explosive sound

Example Sentences

A1 I heard a loud clap of thunder during the storm.

A2 The audience gave a big clap at the end of the performance.

B1 The sound of the clap echoed through the empty room.

B2 She gave a sarcastic clap in response to his rude comment.

C1 The clap of the door closing signaled the end of the meeting.

C2 The clap of the waves against the shore was a soothing sound.

verb to strike the palms of the hands together with a sudden explosive sound

Example Sentences

A1 The children clapped their hands in excitement.

A2 She clapped her friend on the back to congratulate him.

B1 The audience clapped loudly after the performance.

B2 He clapped his hands together to get everyone's attention.

C1 The conductor clapped his baton to start the orchestra.

C2 The politician clapped his hands in approval during the speech.

Examples of clap in a Sentence

formal The audience began to clap as the orchestra finished their performance.

informal Let's clap for the winner of the talent show!

slang I'll give you a clap on the back for that great presentation.

figurative Her words were like a clap of thunder, shocking everyone in the room.

Grammatical Forms of clap

past tense

clapped

plural

claps

comparative

more clapping

superlative

most clapping

present tense

clap

future tense

will clap

perfect tense

have clapped

continuous tense

clapping

singular

clap

positive degree

clap

infinitive

to clap

gerund

clapping

participle

clapping

Origin and Evolution of clap

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'clap' originated from the Old English word 'clappian' which meant to make a sudden, sharp noise.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'clap' has evolved to not only refer to a sudden, sharp noise but also to signify a gesture of applause or to slap one's hands together in a rhythmic manner.