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
nounRead the Latest from M-W
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
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Frankenstein exclaimed after bringing a body back to life.
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Danny Jackson, a plumber in his 15th year living at Harbor Point Estates, exclaimed.
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Thomson exclaimed in a 1916 article in Popular Science.
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
First Known Use: 1566
EXCLAIM Defined for English Language Learners
exclaim
playDefinition of exclaim for English Language Learners
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: to say (something) in an enthusiastic or forceful way
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: to cry out or speak suddenly or with strong feeling
EXCLAIM Defined for Kids
exclaim
playDefinition 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.
Learn More about exclaim
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for exclaim Spanish Central: Translation of exclaim Nglish: Translation of exclaim for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of exclaim for Arabic speakers
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