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Clapboard Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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clapboard

[หˆklรฆpหŒbษ”หrd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

film production

A long, narrow board with a hinged stick at one end, used to indicate the start of a scene in filmmaking.

Examples of usage

  • The director held up the clapboard before shouting 'Action!'
  • The clapboard is an essential tool for syncing audio and video in post-production.
Context #2 | Noun

construction

A long, thin board with one edge thicker than the other, used for siding buildings.

Examples of usage

  • The carpenters installed the clapboard siding on the exterior of the house.
  • The historic colonial houses in New England often feature clapboard exteriors.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'clapboard'

The term 'clapboard' originated from the Old English word 'clรฆppan' meaning 'to throb or beat'. In the context of film production, the clapboard's purpose is to create a visual and auditory cue to synchronize sound and picture during editing. In construction, clapboard siding has been used for centuries as a durable and weather-resistant building material.

See also: clap, clapper, clapping.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,749 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.