How to pronounce applause
Say it like uh-PLAWZ. Applause has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PLAWZ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce applause. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- PLAWZ
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Applause 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.
- PLAWZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of applause
American and British speakers say applause in essentially the same way: /əˈplɔz/ in the US and /əˈplɔːz/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-PLAWZ.
What does applause mean?
- a demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together
Where does applause come from?
From Latin applausus, from applaudō (“to strike against, to applaud”) (whence applaud).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with applause
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of applause.
Questions about saying applause
How do you pronounce applause?
Say uh-PLAWZ. The American pronunciation is /əˈplɔz/. In British English it is /əˈplɔːz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in applause?
Applause has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PLAWZ). Broken into parts: uh · PLAWZ.
Do Americans and Brits say applause the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈplɔz/ and the British form is /əˈplɔːz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.