clap

B2 Topic:Actions & Processes

US /klæp/ See IPA manual

Minimal pairs

Sounds like crap /l/ vs /r/

Freq #7182

Meanings

1

verb
To hit your hands together repeatedly to show you are pleased.

The audience clapped loudly after the concert.
2

noun
The act of hitting your hands together, or the sound it makes.

He summoned the waiter with a clap.
3

noun
A sudden loud noise, especially of thunder.

A clap of thunder made everyone jump.
4

verb
To put or place something suddenly and firmly.

The judge clapped him in jail.

Verb forms

Verb forms are not available for this word yet.

Multiword verbs with clap

clap together Phrasal verb B2

to assemble something quickly and carelessly

Thesaurus

Synonyms

3 noun · a sudden loud noise,... thunderclap

Word family

Forms clappedclaps

Derived forms after-clapafterclapbeclapclap-gateclap-in-clap-outclap-o-meterclap-sillclapalongclapboardclapbreadclapcakeclapdish

Related forms applaud applause

Appears in

Phrases (1)

See all

clap together
to assemble something quickly and carelessly

Verb + adverb

Simplified etymology

Clap is an Old English word and, like rap and flap, probably originated in imitation of a sound.

Etymology

Uncertain. Probably from Old French clapoir (“bubo, inflammation from infection”), from clapier (“brothel”). May also be from old, unsafe treatments for gonorrhea, such as clapping the penis between a book and a hard surface to break up obstructions in the urethra and permit urination. Attested from the 16th century.

clapoir Old French

View etymology graph ->

Topics

Actions & Processes

External links

# clap

**Type:** Word
**Level:** B2
**Part of speech:** verb, noun
**IPA (US):** /klæp/
**Frequency rank:** 7182

## Meanings
1. To hit your hands together repeatedly to show you are pleased.
2. The act of hitting your hands together, or the sound it makes.
3. A sudden loud noise, especially of thunder.
4. To put or place something suddenly and firmly.

## Examples
- The audience clapped loudly after the concert.
- He summoned the waiter with a clap.
- A clap of thunder made everyone jump.
- The judge clapped him in jail.

## Derived Forms
- after-clap
- afterclap
- beclap
- clap-gate
- clap-in-clap-out
- clap-o-meter
- clap-sill
- clapalong
- clapboard
- clapbread
- clapcake
- clapdish

## Related Forms
- applaud
- applause

## Roots and Affixes
- Root: clapoir

## Etymology
Uncertain. Probably from Old French clapoir (“bubo, inflammation from infection”), from clapier (“brothel”). May also be from old, unsafe treatments for gonorrhea, such as clapping the penis between a book and a hard surface to break up obstructions in the urethra and permit urination. Attested from the 16th century.

## Topics
- Actions & Processes

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