clapping
/ˈklæpɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · [klˈæpɪŋ] /ˈklæpɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · [klˈæpɪŋ] /ˈklap/ (ame, mw)
clapping — noun
1. the repeated action of bringing your open hands together noisily to express that
the repeated action of bringing your open hands together noisily to express that you enjoyed a performance, speech, or event and feel pleased about it
After the orchestra played the final note, the clapping grew so loud that the conductor returned for a second bow.
uncountable noun describing enthusiastic audience reaction after a performance
Roya waited for the clapping to die down before she started reading her poem aloud.
The loud clapping from the audience encouraged Eric to continue his speech with more confidence.
A wave of clapping greeted the dancers as they ran onto the stage for their final bow.
- booing
the opposite of clapping in approval — making negative vocal sounds
文法句型
uncountable noun
用法筆記
Uncountable — you cannot say 'a clapping' when referring to applause. However, 'a clap' (countable) can mean a single instance of applause or one hand-strike.
常見錯誤
2. a sudden sharp sound produced when one hard surface hits another, especially the
a sudden sharp sound produced when one hard surface hits another, especially the sound made by thunder
A loud clap of thunder shook the windows and woke the baby from her nap.
pattern: a clap of thunder
Anjali jumped when she heard the sharp clap of a tree branch hitting the roof of the car.
A sharp clap of thunder rattled the windows of the cabin, and Ignacio's dog hid trembling under the bed.
The warehouse workers froze when a sharp clap echoed from the back as metal shelves crashed onto the concrete floor.
文法句型
a clap of [noun]
用法筆記
Typically used in the fixed phrase 'a clap of thunder.' For other sudden sounds, 'clap' is less common than 'bang' or 'crack'. This sense is countable (a clap / the clap).
3. a light hit on someone's back or shoulder with an open hand to show praise, enco
a light hit on someone's back or shoulder with an open hand to show praise, encouragement, or approval
Niran gave his teammate a warm clap on the back after the winning goal was scored.
pattern: a clap on the back
"Well played," Pedro said with a friendly clap on Kemi's shoulder as they walked off the court.
Vinícius felt a firm clap on his shoulder and turned to see his coach smiling proudly.
The old man gave the boy a gentle clap on the arm and said, "You did well, son."
文法句型
a clap on the [body part]
用法筆記
Almost always followed by 'on the' + a body part (back, shoulder, arm). The action is friendly or encouraging, not aggressive.
4. an informal and potentially offensive term for a sexually transmitted infection
an informal and potentially offensive term for a sexually transmitted infection that causes pain when urinating
The clinic treated several patients who thought they had caught the clap after unprotected sex.
slang register: 'the clap' for gonorrhea
Health workers explained that many people use outdated slang like "the clap" without knowing the medical term for the infection.
An article on historical medical slang noted that US WWII soldiers called the infection "the clap" at field hospitals.
The doctor gently told Ilan that "the clap" is an outdated slang term and gave him the correct medical information.
- gonorrhea
the formal medical term — use this instead in any serious or clinical discussion
文法句型
the clap
用法筆記
Always used with 'the' (the clap). Considered old-fashioned slang; medical professionals use 'gonorrhea'. May cause offence in formal or medical contexts.
clapping — verb
- clappingpresent simple I / you / we / they
- clappings3rd person singular
- clappinging-ing form
- clappingedpast simple
1. to bring your two open hands together with force so that they make a short sharp
to bring your two open hands together with force so that they make a short sharp sound, often as a signal or to get attention
Sari clapped her hands twice to call the wandering children back inside for dinner.
transitive: clap + [possessive] hands
The teacher clapped once, and the noisy classroom fell totally silent within seconds.
Feng clapped his hands twice to get everyone's attention before explaining the tour schedule to the group.
The football referee clapped his hands sharply to signal the kickoff, and both teams moved into their attacking formations.
Pedro clapped loudly to get the waiter's attention across the busy restaurant.
- slap
hitting a surface with an open hand, not necessarily both hands together
文法句型
clap + hands
clap + adverb
用法筆記
When used transitively, the object is almost always 'hands.' Used intransitively, it means making a clapping sound without specifying what is clapped. Not the same as applauding — this sense refers to a single clap or a short sequence as a signal.
常見錯誤
2. to hit your open hands together repeatedly as a way of showing that you liked a
to hit your open hands together repeatedly as a way of showing that you liked a performance, agree with a statement, or feel proud of someone
The whole audience clapped for a long time after Maeve finished her piano piece.
pattern: clap for [someone] after a performance
Everyone clapped when the bride and groom walked into the beautifully decorated room.
Kemi clapped along to the rhythm of the music, enjoying the lively festival atmosphere.
The students clapped politely at the end of the principal's speech about school rules.
Niran's family clapped and cheered when they saw him receive the award on television.
- boo
to make a negative noise to show dislike of a performance
文法句型
clap for [someone/something]
clap [adverb]
用法筆記
The most common use of 'clap'. Unlike sense 1 (which signals), this sense involves repeated clapping to express approval. Can be followed by 'for' to indicate the person or performance being applauded.
3. to place or press something somewhere with a quick, often careless or urgent mov
to place or press something somewhere with a quick, often careless or urgent movement
Ignacio clapped a hand over his mouth to stop himself from laughing during the serious ceremony.
pattern: clap + hand over [body part] (urgent)
Maeve clapped the heavy book shut and ran to catch the train before the doors closed.
pattern: clap + [object] + shut/closed
Pedro clapped his hat on his head and dashed outside into the pouring rain without an umbrella.
The waiter clapped the hot plate of food down on the table in front of the hungry customers.
文法句型
clap + object + prepositional phrase
clap + object + adverb
用法筆記
Almost always followed by an adverb or prepositional phrase describing where or how something is placed. The movement is fast and often a bit rough — not careful or gentle.
4. to gently hit a person on the back or shoulder with an open hand as a way of sho
to gently hit a person on the back or shoulder with an open hand as a way of showing praise, encouragement, or friendly recognition
Anjali clapped her brother on the shoulder after he crossed the finish line first in the race.
pattern: clap + someone + on the shoulder
The coach clapped the nervous young player on the back and said, "You are ready for this."
pattern: clap + someone + on the back
Eric clapped his friend on the arm and congratulated him warmly on the successful project launch.
Roya's uncle clapped her on the shoulder with a proud smile after she graduated from university.
文法句型
clap + someone + on the + body part
用法筆記
Always takes a person as the direct object followed by 'on the' + a body part (shoulder, back). Unlike sense 1, this is a social gesture rather than a signal. Unlike sense 2, it is one or two hits, not repeated applause.