1 applause | Definition of applause

applause

noun
ap·​plause | \ É™-ˈplȯz How to pronounce applause (audio) \

Definition of applause

1 : marked commendation : acclaim the kind of applause every really creative writer wants— Robert Tallant
2 : approval publicly expressed (as by clapping the hands) a round of applause

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Synonyms & Antonyms for applause

Synonyms

acclamation, cheer, cheering, ovation, plaudit(s), rave(s), réclame

Antonyms

booing, hissing

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Examples of applause in a Sentence

The announcement was greeted with applause and cheers. a design for a memorial for the victims of the attack that has received nothing but applause from officials, commentators, and the general public

Recent Examples on the Web

While Corden motioned that he wasn't impressed by Robinson's performance, the audience erupted into applause. Katherine Schaffstall, The Hollywood Reporter, "Smokey Robinson and James Corden Battle in Soul Music Riff-Off," 15 Aug. 2019 When Agne rules in his favor, the courtroom bursts into applause; case workers stand and cheer for him. Mary Jo Pitzl, azcentral, "These courts must protect kids' privacy. They also must be public. Can it be done?," 31 July 2019 Scientists at the mission control center burst into applause as the rocket lifted off in clear weather as scheduled at 2:43 p.m. local time from Sriharikota in southern India. Fox News, "India launches historic mission to the Moon," 22 July 2019 The maroon-and-gold crowd burst into applause, knowing how this story ended: Gophers 37, Badgers 15 on Nov. 24. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, "P.J. Fleck: 2018 win over Badgers set tone for ‘decades of Gopher football’," 17 July 2019 After a jury acquitted the killers, the courtroom broke into applause, and a local newspaper ran a photo of the defendants hugging their mothers. Caleb Crain, The New Yorker, "The Theory That Justified Anti-Gay Crime," 20 June 2019 Moments when people burst into applause at lines -- not just at the ends of songs, not just funny things, but things that are poignant and fresh and teaching moments. Rebecca Milzoff, Billboard, "Tony Nominee Spotlight: Lilli Cooper Talks Taking Center Stage in 'Tootsie'," 4 June 2019 In a rarity in legislative meetings, many in the crowd burst into applause. Brendan Farrington, The Seattle Times, "Florida wrestles over felon voting rights restoration," 25 Mar. 2019 Jackson’s speech was interrupted frequently by applause and cheers. San Diego Union-Tribune, "From the Archives: Jesse Jackson led march for immigrants in 1984," 2 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'applause.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of applause

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for applause

Medieval Latin applausus, from Latin, beating of wings, from applaudere

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More Definitions for applause

applause

noun

English Language Learners Definition of applause

: a show of approval or appreciation at a play, speech, sporting event, etc., in which people strike their hands together over and over

applause

noun
ap·​plause | \ É™-ˈplȯz How to pronounce applause (audio) \

Kids Definition of applause

: approval shown especially by clapping the hands

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More from Merriam-Webster on applause

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with applause

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for applause

Spanish Central: Translation of applause

Nglish: Translation of applause for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of applause for Arabic Speakers