Meaning of “clap” in the English Dictionary

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"clap" in English

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clapverb

uk ​ /klæp/ us ​ /klæp/ -pp-

clap verb (MAKE NOISE)

B1 [ I or T ] to make a short loud noise by hitting your hands together:

"When I clap my hands, you stand still," said the teacher.
The band played a familiar tune which had everyone clapping along.
The audience clapped in time to the music.

B1 [ I or T ] to clap your hands repeatedly to show that you like or admire someone or have enjoyed a performance:

The audience clapped and cheered when she stood up to speak.
We all clapped his performance enthusiastically.

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clap verb (HIT)

› [ T + adv/prep ] to hit someone lightly on the shoulder or back in a friendly way, especially to express pleasure at what they have done:

He clapped his daughter on the back and told her how proud of her he was.

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Phrasal verb(s)

clap sb out

clapnoun

uk ​ /klæp/ us ​ /klæp/

(Definition of “clap” from the Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

"clap" in American English

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clapverb

us ​ /klæp/ -pp-

clap verb (PUT HANDS TOGETHER)

› [ I/T ] to make a short, loud noise by hitting your hands together:

[ T ] She clapped her hands to call the dog in.

› [ I/T ] People will clap at the end of a speech or a performance to show that they are pleased:

[ I ] Everyone was clapping and cheering.

clap verb (HIT LIGHTLY)

› [ T always + adv/prep ] to hit someone lightly on the shoulder or back in a friendly way to express pleasure:

The governor clapped him on the back and congratulated him.

clapnoun [ C ]

us ​ /klæp/

clap noun [ C ] (PUTTING HANDS TOGETHER)

› the act of hitting your hands together to make a short, loud noise, esp. at the end of a speech or performance to show that you are pleased:

There were a few claps, and then embarrassing silence.

› A clap of thunder is the sudden, loud noise of thunder.

(Definition of “clap” from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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