exclamation

noun

ex·​cla·​ma·​tion ˌek-sklə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce exclamation (audio)
1
: a sharp or sudden utterance
2
: vehement expression of protest or complaint

Examples of exclamation in a Sentence

Her unexpected announcement caused a few exclamations of surprise. the good news was greeted with a chorus of joyous exclamations
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dramatic piano chords are stuck alongside sepia title cards that are pleasantly full of exclamation marks. Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 22 May 2025 Trump’s near panicky exclamation in the Oval Office that Ukraine’s defense of its territory could cause a nuclear war was extraordinary — and extraordinarily dangerous. Anthony Lake, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025 Comment The exclamation mark really is the giveaway. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025 Harry Maguire guided the ball home into the opposite corner of the net and sent Old Trafford potty, putting the exclamation mark on the kind of come-from-behind triumph that Manchester United fans will surely never tire of reliving. Andy Mitten, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exclamation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exclamation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exclamation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exclamation. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

exclamation

noun
ex·​cla·​ma·​tion ˌeks-klə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce exclamation (audio)
1
: a sharp or sudden cry of strong feeling
2
: a strong expression of anger or complaint

More from Merriam-Webster on exclamation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!