Applauses

/əˈplɔːzɪz/ noun

Definition

Plural of applause; multiple instances or expressions of clapping and cheering in approval.

Etymology

From applause (from Latin applaudere: to clap at) plus the plural suffix -es. Applause is usually uncountable, but the plural form can refer to separate instances of applauding, like 'the applauses from different audiences.'

Kelly Says

Interestingly, we rarely say 'applauses' in everyday speech because applause is usually treated as uncountable (like 'water' or 'applause'). But poets and formal writers use the plural to suggest waves or bursts of applause happening separately—like 'the applauses of different generations.'

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.