1
: marked commendation : acclaim
… the kind of applause every really creative writer wants.—
Robert Tallant
Robert Tallant
2
: approval publicly expressed (as by clapping the hands)
a round of applause
Examples of applause in a Sentence
The announcement was greeted with applause and cheers. a design for a memorial for the victims of the attack that has received nothing but applause from officials, commentators, and the general public
Recent Examples on the Web
But applause and clippings don’t pay the rent. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 The Hollywood premiere last night was something spiritual, with rolling cheers and applause throughout the film’s 127-minute running time at the Dolby Theatre. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026 The away fans rose to salute their team with warm applause and chants of support. —James McNicholas, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026 Punk was cut open and Reigns basked in the fans’ applause. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for applause
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 The Hollywood premiere last night was something spiritual, with rolling cheers and applause throughout the film’s 127-minute running time at the Dolby Theatre. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026 The away fans rose to salute their team with warm applause and chants of support. —James McNicholas, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026 Punk was cut open and Reigns basked in the fans’ applause. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for applause
Cite this Entry
“Applause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/applause. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
applause
noun
ap·plause ə-ˈplȯz 
: approval shown especially by clapping the hands
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
