To hit your hands together to make a sharp sound, often to show approval or to keep a beat. It can also mean to make a quick, loud strike on something.
From Old English "clæppan" meaning "to throb, beat, clap," imitative of the sharp sound. Many languages have similar sound-imitating words for this action.
The word likely came from the noise itself—humans heard the sound and turned it into a verb. Clapping is one of the simplest ways we turn our bodies into musical instruments and social signals at the same time.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.