English pronunciation · Words Starting with A

Applause Pronunciation

Applause is pronounced uh-PLAWZ, IPA /əˈplɔz/.

uh-PLAWZ

US /əˈplɔz/  ·  UK /əˈplɔːz/

Syllables: uh · PLAWZ (2 syllables, stress on syllable 2)

noun: The sound of people clapping to show approval or thanks.

Audio for the American and British pronunciations plays on this page with JavaScript enabled.

Applause in a Sentence

  • The applause lasted a full two minutes.
  • Her name was read out to warm applause.
  • There was polite applause and then everyone left.

Common Mispronunciations of Applause

Not A-plaws

The opening syllable is a weak uh, and the beat lands on plause. Giving the first syllable a full a turns it into a different rhythm entirely.

Not uh-PLAWS

The ending is a z sound, not an s. Spelling it with se is what hides that, as in because and cause.

More words starting with a · Every word in the pronunciation guide