Definition

A person hired to clap and cheer in a theater or at a performance to encourage the audience and create a positive atmosphere.

Example

The claqueur's enthusiastic applause made the performance feel even more exciting.

Conversation

Did you know that some theaters hire a claqueur to boost the audience's applause?

Really? I thought the audience was supposed to cheer on their own!

Yeah, but I guess it makes the show feel more lively.

That’s true! I wouldn’t mind being a claqueur for a night.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Claqueur comes from the French word 'claquer' (meaning to clap) combined with the suffix '-eur' (indicating a person who performs an action). A 'claqueur' is therefore a person who claps, often used to refer to someone who applauds in a theatrical context, sometimes insincerely or to encourage applause.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'claps' ('claquer') as a way to show appreciation — that's what a 'claqueur' does.

Visually Confused Words