First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
applaud
verb ap·plaud \ə-ˈplȯd\
: to strike the hands together over and over to show approval or praise
: to express approval of or support for (something or someone)
Full Definition of APPLAUD
intransitive verb
: to express approval especially by clapping the hands
transitive verb
1
: to express approval of : praise <applaud her efforts to lose weight>
2
: to show approval of especially by clapping the hands
— ap·plaud·able \-ˈplȯ-də-bəl\ adjective
— ap·plaud·ably \-blē\ adverb
— ap·plaud·er noun
See applaud defined for English-language learners
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Origin of APPLAUD
Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French aplaudir, from Latin applaudere, from ad- + plaudere to applaud
Related to APPLAUD
APPLAUDABLE Defined for Kids
applaud
verb ap·plaud \ə-ˈplȯd\
ap·plaud·edap·plaud·ing
Definition of APPLAUD for Kids
1
: to show approval especially by clapping the hands
2
: 1praise 1 <We applaud your efforts.>
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