Definition

Noun: 1. A percussion instrument: A pair of hollow pieces, typically made of wood or bone, that are held between the thumb and fingers and are clicked together rhythmically, often used to accompany dance, such as in Spanish flamenco.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The flamenco dancer's performance was accentuated by the sharp sound of the clappers.
  • He practiced for hours to master the complex rhythm with the clappers.

Advanced Usage

• "to sound like the clappers" (British English, informal idiom): To make a very loud, rapid, clattering noise. This idiom uses the concept of the instrument's sound metaphorically.
  • The old engine started to sound like the clappers as we accelerated.

Variants and Related Words

• Castanets (n): The more specific term for the Spanish percussion instrument. "Clappers" can be a more general term, while "castanets" specifically refers to the Spanish instrument traditionally made of hardwood.
  • She bought a pair of authentic Spanish castanets.

Synonyms

• Castanets: The Spanish instrument.
• Clickers: A less common general term for objects that make a clicking sound.
• Rhythm sticks: A related educational percussion instrument.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "to go like the clappers" (British English, informal): To move or operate very fast.
  • We had to go like the clappers to catch the last train.

Noun

1. a percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually held between the thumb and fingers) that are made to click together (as by Spanish dancers) in rhythm with the dance