What does clap mean?
A clap is the sharp, percussive sound produced when two flat surfaces — most often the palms of the hands — are struck together rapidly. As a verb, to clap is to bring the hands together in this way, usually to signal approval, appreciation, or rhythm, though it can equally describe striking any object sharply against another. The word carries a strongly positive connotation when used for applause, evoking theatre audiences, celebrations, and encouragement, yet it can also describe abrupt, forceful actions such as clapping a lid onto a pot or clapping someone on the shoulder. Because the sound it names is so distinctive, clap functions almost as onomatopoeia, making it vivid and immediately recognisable. It appears in everyday phrases like 'clap your hands' and 'a round of applause', and its simplicity has kept it stable in English for centuries.
To strike the palms of the hands together, usually repeatedly, as a sign of approval, rhythm, or emphasis.
"The crowd clapped along to the beat of the song."
To strike something sharply with the hand or against a hard surface.
"She clapped her book shut and stood up to leave."
A sharp slapping sound made by striking two surfaces together.
"There was a loud clap of thunder just before the rain began."
Standard regular plural; refers to individual instances of the sound or action.
"The performance ended with three loud claps from the audience."
The word 'clap' is one of the rare English words that sounds exactly like the thing it describes — an onomatopoeic burst that hasn't changed its form since Middle English.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of clap
Clap originated as an imitative or expressive formation in Old English, where the verb clyppan meant to embrace or clasp. By Middle English it had shifted toward its modern sense of striking the palms together, likely influenced by the natural sound of the action itself. It shares deep Germanic roots with related words for grasping or enclosing, and the noun sense developed directly from the verb. Its exact early attestation dates are uncertain, but the word has been in continuous use since at least the medieval period.
Related word forms
How clap is actually used
Clap is common across registers but slightly more casual than 'applaud' in formal contexts like theatre reviews. As a verb it can also mean to place something down abruptly ('he clapped the book shut'), which is informal British usage. The medical meaning referring to gonorrhoea exists but is dated slang and best avoided in general writing.
Easily confused with clap
A clasp is a fastening device or a firm grip with the hand or fingers, whereas a clap is a strike of the palms together.
A clop is the hollow sound of a horse's hoof on pavement, while a clap is a sharp percussive noise made by striking surfaces together.