Answer:
Applause is clapping for someone to let them know they have done something good. People often applaud after a play, concert, or performances.
As an action, applause takes various forms. For example, there can be "polite clapping", or "hearty applause". The action also has a pattern; typically, applause of a whole group generally ends about the same time. From the beginning to end is called a "round of applause". An audience can erupt in many "rounds" throughout performances.
Here are example sentences:
The new actress beamed after several rounds of applause.
After a hearty round of applause, the patrons went to the lobby for intermission.
The reviewer noted numerous rounds of applause from a delighted audience.