1 [I,T] to hit your hands together many times, usually to show that you like sth 鼓掌；拍手: The audience clapped as soon as the singer walked onto the stage. 歌手一登上舞台，听众随即鼓掌欢迎。

2 [T] to put sth onto sth quickly and firmly 用力捂住: ‘Oh no, I shouldn't have said that,’ she said, clapping a hand over her mouth. “喔，糟了，我不该这么说。”她一边说一边用手捂住嘴巴。