clapper

[ klap-er ]

noun

1. a person who applauds.
2. the tongue of a bell.
3. Slang. the tongue.
4. Usually clappers. two flat sticks held between the fingers and struck rhythmically against each other to produce abrupt, sharp sounds.
5. Printing. a platen press.

clapper

/ ˈklæpə /

noun

1. a person or thing that claps
2. a contrivance for producing a sound of clapping, as for scaring birds
3. Also calledtongue a small piece of metal suspended within a bell that causes it to sound when made to strike against its side
4. a slang word for tongue
5. go like the clappers or run like the clappers or move like the clappers informal.
   to move extremely fast

Word History and Origins

Origin of clapper¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, clapper is from the Middle English word claper. See clap ¹, -er ¹

Example Sentences

When speaking to BBC News NI he brought along a clapper board, dog tag and Ranger Battalion jacket he kept from the set of Saving Private Ryan.

From BBC

That clapper, William Sherman, a retiree from the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines, was more than happy to share his feeling.

From New York Times

Conservative forces were sufficiently worried about the optics, it appeared, that they were eager to pull in "talented clappers" from outside the community.

From Salon

The event includes a cedar weaving demonstration, drum song and dance, and craft making traditional clappers.

From Seattle Times

They twirled wooden ratchets and batted plastic hand clappers emblazoned with the Unite Here logo.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bystander
• fan
• moviegoer
• observer
• onlooker
• sports fan
• theatergoer
• viewer