noun

1. The act of striking the palms of the hands, or any two surfaces, together.

   “He summoned the waiter with a clap.”

2. The explosive sound of thunder.

3. Any loud, sudden, explosive sound made by striking hard surfaces together, or resembling such a sound.

   “Off in the distance, he heard the clap of thunder.”

Synonyms: thunderclap

verb

1. To strike the palms of the hands together, creating a sharp sound.

   “The children began to clap in time with the music.”

2. To applaud.

   “It isn’t the singers they are clapping; it's the composer.”

3. To slap with the hand in a jovial manner.

   “He would often clap his teammates on the back for encouragement.”