Applauses

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Demonstrations of approval conveyed by clapping hands
2. Repeated clapping as a sign of appreciation for a performance or event
3. Sounds created by clapping hands to show approval or praise

Etymology: "Applauses" is the plural of "applause," a noun for the approving clapping of hands. The singular comes from Latin "applausus," the past participle of "applaudere," meaning "to strike against" or "to applaud." Behind that verb is the image of hands striking together, which is the literal sense the word carried before it came to mean praise. English "applaud" was borrowed from the same Latin verb, so the two words are close relatives. "Applause" follows the usual pattern of a Latin participle turned into a noun, and the plural form simply counts separate bursts or instances of that noise and praise, as in "the speech drew loud applauses."

Synonyms: claps, ovations, cheers, acclamations, applause