Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

clapback

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 1.39 in modern English

Syllables: clap-back
IPA

20

Scrabble Score

8

Letters

2

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

An exercise where the pupil is instructed to repeat a previously played rhythm by clapping.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

A witty or sarcastic retort.

Countable; Informal

Example Sentences

"While these bits of online affirmation are addicting, so too are the online takedowns, the clapbacks, the snark."
"“My first truly viral video was a clapback to a nasty comment someone made about me being a stupid millennial and telling me to ‘go eat toast’,” Kung recalls."

Etymology

Deverbal from clap back. Compare similarly formed Middle English ȝainclappe (“counterblow, riposte”, literally “back-clap”).

Usage

Inflected Forms

clapbacks (plural)

Phrases

throw shade

Frequently Paired Words

throw shade playback singback comeback talkback

Questions

What does clapback mean?: An exercise where the pupil is instructed to repeat a previously played rhythm by clapping.
Where does clapback come from?: Deverbal from clap back. Compare similarly formed Middle English ȝainclappe (“counterblow, riposte”, literally “back-clap”).

How to pronounce clapback

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “clapback”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “clapback”.
Repeat and practice — Say “clapback” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.