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.
Do people still shout that word as an exclamation of triumph? Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025 That wide-eyed exclamation has been Reeves’s official trademark ever since, and its eternal adolescent naïveté has kept him from being properly judged on the merits of his work. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2025 Toward the end of his introduction, a few audience members could be heard shouting supportive exclamations for Mamdani, before Goldberg turned in her seat to address them live on the air. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Oct. 2025 And for the first time, the exclamation mark people are influential, energized and presenting a broad front. Alan J. Borsuk, jsonline.com, 26 Sep. 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 26 Oct. 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
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