exclaim

verb ex·claim \ ik-ˈsklām \

Definition of exclaim

intransitive verb

1 :to cry out or speak in strong or sudden emotion

exclaimed in delight

2 :to speak loudly or vehemently

exclaimed against immorality

transitive verb

:to utter sharply, passionately, or vehemently :proclaim

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exclaimer

noun

See exclaim defined for English-language learners

See exclaim defined for kids

Examples of exclaim in a Sentence

“Here he comes!” someone exclaimed.
She exclaimed in delight over the Christmas tree.
The children exclaimed with wonder when they saw the elephant.

Recent Examples of exclaim from the Web

Exclaiming in joy during Szeliga’s reading and powerful performance, Alberto Baez’s satisfaction was mirrored throughout the room.

— tyrone lomax jr., miamiherald, "Aging Bull: Legendary boxer Jake LaMotta, 95, attends senior date night," 27 June 2017
Corcoran exclaimed, as his voice reached a crescendo and was greeted with modest applause.

— mary ellen klas, miamiherald, "Legislature’s most interesting man is also its most contradictory," 17 June 2017
Jackson once exclaimed, after an appearance before his adoring fans.

— kevin baker, New Republic, "Trail of Fears," 13 June 2017
Larry Craig, 68, exclaimed, laying into Kansas’ Republican governor, Sam Brownback, now in the third year of his second and final term.

— eric adler, kansascity.com, "Kansans consider the corpse of Sam Brownback’s tax plan: ‘It needed to happen’," 11 June 2017
Bono exclaimed in the midst of With or Without You.

— dave paulson, USA TODAY, "U2 at Bonnaroo: A band reborn, headlining first festival in 41 years," 10 June 2017
Frankenstein exclaimed after bringing a body back to life.

— tana r.h. stevenson, NOLA.com, "Slidell Little Theatre brings a 'monster' to life with Frankenstein production," 26 May 2017
Danny Jackson, a plumber in his 15th year living at Harbor Point Estates, exclaimed.

— alec macgillis/propublica, New York Times, "Jared Kushner’s Other Real Estate Empire," 23 May 2017
Steinfeld exclaims on this very routine (but nonetheless fun) piece of top 40 EDM.

— christopher rosa, Glamour, "Song of the Summer 2017: 15 New Tracks by Women That Deserve the Top Honor," 12 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'exclaim.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of exclaim

Middle French exclamer, from Latin exclamare, from ex- + clamare to cry out — more at claim

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1566

See Words from the same year

exclaim Synonyms

Synonyms

blat, blurt (out), bolt, cry (out), ejaculate

Related Words

blunder, leak; bellow, bleat, crow, holler, hoot, howl, roar, shout, whoop, yowl; aah (also ah), ooh; interject

EXCLAIM Defined for English Language Learners

exclaim

verb

Definition of exclaim for English Language Learners

: to say (something) in an enthusiastic or forceful way
: to cry out or speak suddenly or with strong feeling

EXCLAIM Defined for Kids

exclaim

verb ex·claim \ ik-ˈsklām \

Definition of exclaim for Students

exclaimed; exclaiming

:to speak or cry out suddenly or with strong feeling

Word Root of exclaim

The Latin word clamāre, meaning “to shout” or “to cry out,” gives us the root clam and its form claim. Words from the Latin clamāre have something to do with shouting. To exclaim is to cry out in a sudden or emotional way. To proclaim is to announce or shout something publicly. Clamor is noisy shouting.