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Definition of "clap" []

  • To strike the palms of the hands together with a sudden explosive sound, as in applauding. (verb-intransitive)
  • To come together suddenly with a sharp sound. (verb-intransitive)
  • To strike together with a sharp sound, as one hard surface on another: clapped a book on the desk. (verb-transitive)
  • To strike (the hands) together with an abrupt, loud sound, usually repeatedly: clapped hands in time to the music. (verb-transitive)
  • To strike lightly but firmly with the open hand, as in greeting: clapped me on the shoulder. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "clap" in a sentence
  • "Here is claps wif mai floofy paws..**clap clap clap** heer iz sparklee drinkee wif much xtry catnipz nd shotz ub tewkeelas, and to top off wid much possim size choklits to noms on, and snorgles wit mai floofy bebeh kitteh wat haz dots on tumee and pinkee toe pads!"
  • "_Clap -- clap -- clap_ was the only sound that reached me -- and with failing heart I knew the noise to be that of waves of the lake beating upon the wall within a few inches of my window, the dark waters which in due time would no doubt rise through my uneven floor and engulf me."
  • "At last, though, thinking that he had better lie down for fear of being very tired next day, he reached out his hand to draw in the casement, but kept it there, for a very familiar sound now struck upon his ear: _Clap, clap, clap, clap_ of wings, and then a thoroughly hearty old English cock-a-doodle-doo! and the boy burst into a merry laugh."