How to pronounce applaud
Say it like uh-PLAWD. Applaud has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PLAWD).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce applaud. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- PLAWD
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Applaud pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- PLAWDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of applaud
American and British speakers say applaud in essentially the same way: /əˈplɔd/ in the US and /əˈplɔːd/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-PLAWD.
What does applaud mean?
- To express approval (of something) by clapping the hands.“After the performance, the audience applauded for five minutes.”
- To praise, or express approval for something or someone.“Although we don't like your methods, we applaud your motives.”
Where does applaud come from?
From Middle English applauden, from Latin applaudere (“to clap the hands together, applaud”), from ad (“to”) + plaudere (“to strike, clap”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with applaud
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of applaud.
Questions about saying applaud
How do you pronounce applaud?
Say uh-PLAWD. The American pronunciation is /əˈplɔd/. In British English it is /əˈplɔːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in applaud?
Applaud has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PLAWD). Broken into parts: uh · PLAWD.
Do Americans and Brits say applaud the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈplɔd/ and the British form is /əˈplɔːd/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.