exclaim

verb

ex·​claim ik-ˈsklām How to pronounce exclaim (audio)
exclaimed; exclaiming; exclaims

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

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 on the Web Claire Denis exclaimed, lifting her knees to let a group of newcomers make their way to their seats. Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2024 Mary Katherine exclaimed while striking her signature pose. Christian Holub, EW.com, 18 Oct. 2024 Pratt exclaimed while waving at his wife on screen. Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 18 Oct. 2024 She’s also developed a disturbing habit of exclaiming her own name. Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for exclaim 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exclaim.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exclaim was in 1566

Dictionary Entries Near exclaim

Cite this Entry

“Exclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exclaim. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

exclaim

verb
ex·​claim iks-ˈklām How to pronounce exclaim (audio)
: to cry out or speak suddenly or with strong feeling
exclaimed in delight

More from Merriam-Webster on exclaim

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