Clapper: meaning, definitions and examples

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clapper

[ ˈklæpər ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

movie industry

A clapper is a device used in filmmaking to synchronize sound and image. It consists of a hinged stick with a small board at the top which is slammed shut to create a sharp sound. The clapper also displays important information such as scene number, take number, and other details.

Synonyms

clapboard, slate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
clapper	Refers to the part of a bell that strikes the inside to produce sound. It can also informally refer to a person who applauds with enthusiasm. The clapper inside the church bell broke, so it couldn’t ring anymore. The concert was amazing, and every clapper in the audience was cheering loudly.
clapboard	Describes a type of wooden board used for building construction, commonly found in house siding. It can also refer to a pre-1950s cinematic tool used to mark scenes. The old house had clapboard siding that needed repainting. The filmmaker used a clapboard to mark the start of a new scene.

Word

Description / Examples

clapper

Refers to the part of a bell that strikes the inside to produce sound. It can also informally refer to a person who applauds with enthusiasm.

The clapper inside the church bell broke, so it couldn’t ring anymore.
The concert was amazing, and every clapper in the audience was cheering loudly.

clapboard

Describes a type of wooden board used for building construction, commonly found in house siding. It can also refer to a pre-1950s cinematic tool used to mark scenes.

The old house had clapboard siding that needed repainting.
The filmmaker used a clapboard to mark the start of a new scene.

Examples of usage

The clapper is essential for marking the beginning of each scene during filming.
The sound of the clapper helps the editors to sync the audio with the video footage.

Translations

Translations of the word "clapper" in other languages:

🇵🇹 claquete

🇮🇳 क्लैपर

🇩🇪 Klappe

🇮🇩 tapak tangan

🇺🇦 хлопавка

🇵🇱 klaps

🇯🇵 クラッパー

🇫🇷 claquette

🇪🇸 claqueta

🇹🇷 klaket

🇰🇷 클래퍼

🇸🇦 قلاب

🇨🇿 klapka

🇸🇰 klapka

🇨🇳 拍板

🇸🇮 klapa

🇮🇸 klappa

🇰🇿 шапалақ

🇬🇪 კლაპერი

🇦🇿 klap

🇲🇽 claqueta

Etymology

The term 'clapper' originated from the early days of cinema when a person called a 'clapper loader' was responsible for operating the clapperboard. The clapperboard was originally a wooden slate that made a clapping sound when shut, hence the name 'clapper'. Over time, the clapperboard evolved into the modern device used in filmmaking today.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,328 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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30325 waylaid
30326 contingently
30327 substantiality
30328 clapper
30329 burnishing
30330 immolation
30331 reedy
...