clapper
|clap-per|
🇺🇸
/ˈklæpər/
🇬🇧
/ˈklæpə/
thing or person that makes a sharp striking (clap) sound
Etymology
'clapper' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'clapper', formed from the verb 'clap' (an imitative word for a sharp striking sound) plus the agent suffix '-er'.
'clapper' changed from Old English verbs such as 'clæppan' (to strike, clap) into Middle English 'clappen'/'clapper', and eventually the noun 'clapper' came to denote the piece that strikes a bell and, by extension, other striking devices or a person who claps.
Initially it was associated with the action 'to clap' or 'to strike' (a sound/act); over time it evolved into a noun meaning specifically 'the striker inside a bell', and by extension 'a device that makes a clap' or 'one who claps'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the hinged metal or wooden piece inside a bell that strikes the bell to produce sound; the bell's striker (also called the bell's 'tongue' or 'clapper').
The church's clapper had rusted and needed replacement.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a person who claps (applauds), especially one in an audience.
A few clappers in the crowd started the standing ovation.
Synonyms
Noun 3
a simple percussion instrument or device that produces a sharp clapping sound when struck together (used in folk music and some theatrical effects).
He used wooden clappers during the folk performance.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/23 06:53