First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1clap
verb \ˈklap\
: to hit the palms of your hands together usually more than once
: to suddenly put the palm of your hand on someone or something
: to quickly or forcefully put someone or something in a place or position
clapped also claptclap·ping
Full Definition of CLAP
transitive verb
1
: to strike (as two flat hard surfaces) together so as to produce a sharp percussive noise
2
a : to strike (the hands) together repeatedly usually in applause b : applaud
3
: to strike with the flat of the hand in a friendly way <clapped his friend on the shoulder>
4
: to place, put, or set especially energetically <clap him into jail> <since I first clapped eyes on it>
5
: to improvise or build hastily <a hut clapped together from old plywood>
intransitive verb
1
: to produce a percussive sound; especially : slam
2
: to go abruptly or briskly
3
: applaud
See clap defined for English-language learners
See clap defined for kids
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Origin of CLAP
Middle English clappen, from Old English clæppan to throb; akin to Old High German klaphōn to beat
Related to CLAP
2clap
noun
Definition of CLAP
1
: a device that makes a clapping noise
2
obsolete : a sudden stroke of fortune and especially ill fortune
3
: a loud percussive noise; specifically : a sudden crash of thunder
4
a : a sudden blow b : a friendly slap <a clap on the back>
5
: the sound of clapping hands; especially : applause
First Known Use of CLAP
13th century
3clap
noun
Definition of CLAP
: gonorrhea —often used with the
Origin of CLAP
Middle French clapoir bubo
First Known Use: 1587
CLAP[1] Defined for Kids
1clap
verb \ˈklap\
clappedclap·ping
Definition of CLAP for Kids
1
: to hit (the palms of the hands) together usually more than once
2
: to hit or touch with the open hand <He clapped his friend on the shoulder.>
3
: to hit together noisily <She clapped the two boards together.> <The door clapped shut.>
4
: to put or place quickly or with force <He clapped his hat on his head.>
2clap
noun
Definition of CLAP for Kids
1
: a loud sharp sound <a clap of thunder>
2
: a hard or a friendly slap <a clap on the back>
Medical Dictionary
clap
noun \ˈklap\
Learn More About CLAP
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