clapboard
noun
clap·board
ˈkla-bərd 
ˈkla(p)-ˌbȯrd
ˈkla(p)-ˌbȯrd
1
archaic
: a size of board for making staves and wainscoting
2
: a narrow board usually thicker at one edge than the other used for siding
3
ˈklap-ˌbȯrd
: a slate with information identifying a piece of film that is topped with a hinged arm which claps down to mark the start of a take (see take entry 2 sense 2a(1)) to facilitate editing
: a slate with information identifying a piece of film that is topped with a hinged arm which claps down to mark the start of a take (see take entry 2 sense 2a(1)) to facilitate editing
called also clapper board
clapboard
transitive verb
Examples of clapboard in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Clad in gray-green clapboards and unified by a chic sensibility across the new and old sections, the home feels both cohesive and inviting.
—
Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 2026
Inside the walls of the three picturesque New England clapboards, there are rooms and amenities aplenty.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 10 Mar. 2026
To be right in the clapboard-sided center of it all, stay in any of the six buildings that make up Faraway Martha’s Vineyard.
—Sarah Cahalan, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2026
Once in its new location, the building’s original clapboard, or a replica of the clapboard, will take the place of the green siding.
—Jake Allen, IndyStar, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clapboard
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Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 2026
Inside the walls of the three picturesque New England clapboards, there are rooms and amenities aplenty.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 10 Mar. 2026
To be right in the clapboard-sided center of it all, stay in any of the six buildings that make up Faraway Martha’s Vineyard.
—Sarah Cahalan, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2026
Once in its new location, the building’s original clapboard, or a replica of the clapboard, will take the place of the green siding.
—Jake Allen, IndyStar, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clapboard
Cite this Entry
“Clapboard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clapboard. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
clapboard
noun
clap·board
ˈklab-ərd
ˈkla(p)-ˌbō(ə)rd
ˈkla(p)-ˌbō(ə)rd
-ˌbȯ(ə)rd
: a narrow board thicker at one edge than at the other used to cover the sides of wooden buildings
clapboard
verb
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