clap

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to clap one's hands together

   The children were clapping to the music.

2. 2
   verb

   to strike one's hands together or shout after performances to indicate approval

   The audience clapped loudly after the concert.

3. 3
   verb

   to strike together so as to produce a sharp percussive noise

   clap two boards together

4. 4
   verb

   to put quickly or forcibly

   The judge clapped you in jail.

5. 5
   verb

   to strike the air in flight

   the wings of the birds clapped loudly

6. 6
   verb

   to cause to strike the air in flight

   The big bird clapped its wings.

7. 7
   noun

   The act of striking the palms of the hands, or any two surfaces, together.

   He summoned the waiter with a clap.

8. 8
   noun

   The explosive sound of thunder.

   The deafening claps of thunder and the dazzling flashes of lightning which lit up the ghastly scene testified that the artillery of heaven had lent its supernatural pomp to the already gruesome spectacle.

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.