applause

noun

ap·​plause ə-ˈplȯz How to pronounce applause (audio)
Synonyms of applausenext
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

Synonyms of applause

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Spectators erupted in applause and cheered with each successful ride. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 The applause after that particular song was the most raucous and rowdy of the night. — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 30 July 2026 Kaye congratulated the client and a wave of applause filled the courtroom. — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 However, at a June candidate forum, all seven candidates present noted that a data center wouldn’t be part of their plans for how to reuse the Truman Complex — to big applause from a Lee’s Summit audience. — Ilana Arougheti july 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for applause

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of applause was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing applause

Rhymes for applause

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Browse Nearby Words

applaudingly
applause
applausive
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Cite this Entry

“Applause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/applause. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

applause

noun
ap·​plause ə-ˈplȯz How to pronounce applause (audio)
: approval shown especially by clapping the hands

More from Merriam-Webster on applause

Nglish: Translation of applause for Spanish Speakers

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