applaud

verb

ap·​plaud ə-ˈplȯd 

applauded; applauding; applauds

intransitive verb

: to express approval especially by clapping the hands

The audience applauded at the end of the performance.

transitive verb

1

: to express approval of : praise

I applaud her efforts to lose weight.

2

: to show approval of especially by clapping the hands

Spectators applauded the team.

applaudable

ə-ˈplȯ-də-bəl 

adjective

applaudably

ə-ˈplȯ-də-blē 

adverb

applauder noun

Synonyms

• acclaim
• accredit
• cheer
• crack up
• hail
• laud
• praise
• salute
• tout

Examples of applaud in a Sentence

Everyone applauded the graduates as they entered the auditorium.

The audience stood and applauded her performance.

We applaud the decision to lower taxes.

I applaud their efforts to clean up the city, but they must do more.

Rather than being criticized for her honesty, she should be applauded for it.

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s been a tough year for the toy industry, but one of the biggest players dropped some holiday cheer with a last-minute marketing message toymakers everywhere can applaud. —Joan Verdon, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Aung Shine Oo/AP The United States and its partners applauded these developments and, with good reason, took pride in helping advance them. —Derek Mitchell, NPR, 23 Dec. 2024

At full time, the delegation, including new executive chairman Marc Watts, stayed to applaud a gritty, defensively resolute performance. —Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald, meanwhile, applauded the judge for letting the conviction and life sentence stick. —Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French aplaudir, from Latin applaudere, from ad- + plaudere to applaud

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

applaud

verb

ap·​plaud ə-ˈplȯd 

1

: praise sense 1, approve

applaud their efforts

2

: to show approval especially by clapping the hands

applaudable

-ə-bəl 

adjective

applauder noun

Etymology

from early French aplaudir "to applaud," from Latin applaudere (same meaning), from ap-, ad- "to, toward" and plaudere "to clap" — related to explode, plaudit, plausible see Word History at explode, plausible