exclaim

verb ex·claim \ ik-ˈsklām \

Updated on: 12 May 2018

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

—

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

Although hesitant at first, the girls grew more excited after trying them on and exclaimed compliments to each other or trading different dresses.

— kendra parks, NOLA.com, "UsTrendy Founder empowers young women with dream dresses," 30 Apr. 2018
Bergen exclaimed, grinning and pointing at the screen.

— andrew selsky, The Seattle Times, "Tons of legal marijuana leave Oregon regulators awash in data," 26 Apr. 2018
Heather Pepper, 47, exclaimed to the bartender on a recent night.

— robert samuels, chicagotribune.com, "A beloved restaurant owner was deported. His Indiana town got over it.," 11 Mar. 2018
Klopp exclaimed, as laughter erupted around the press room (via FourFourTwo).

— SI.com, "Jurgen Klopp Hints That Emre Can Could Yet Sign New Liverpool Deal Before the End of the Season," 30 Mar. 2018
Garner exclaimed, referencing her upcoming leading role in the HBO series Camping, which is co-created by Dunham.

— megan decker, Harper's BAZAAR, "Jennifer Garner Just Responded to Her Viral Oscars Meme in the Most Hilarious Way," 6 Mar. 2018
Lesko exclaimed when one of her campaign workers told her that Montenegro was conceding.

— Bloomberg.com, "Former State Senator Wins GOP Primary to Replace Franks," 27 Feb. 2018
Many current and former players didn't take well to those comments and jumped to Twitter to exclaim their anger and disappointment.

— kellen becoats, SI.com, "NFL Players Respond to Trump's Comments on Anthem Protesters," 23 Sep. 2017
During the half time interval, Lazio forward Luis Alberto exclaimed to Mediaset Premium: Maybe people don't like Lazio in the top four.

— SI.com, "Italian Giants Lazio Threaten to Quit Serie A After Torino Loss," 13 Dec. 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

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

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.