exhilaration

noun

ex·​hil·​a·​ra·​tion ig-ˌzi-lə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exhilaration (audio)
1
: the action of exhilarating
2
: the feeling or the state of being exhilarated

Examples of exhilaration in a Sentence

I felt a kind of exhilaration when I reached the top of the mountain. the lavish spectacle results in one exhilaration after another
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.
That rush—the mix of precision, danger, and raw exhilaration—stays with you. Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 The exhilaration of a near miss. Megan Cummins august 5, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025 The contrast between genres — yet seamless flow — created a sense of sonic exhilaration that rippled through the crowd. Billboard Korea, Billboard, 4 Aug. 2025 There was no minimizing the exhilaration and celebration and pride of experiencing a childhood dream achieved. Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for exhilaration

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exhilaration was in 1622

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exhilaration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exhilaration. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

exhilaration

noun
ex·​hil·​a·​ra·​tion ig-ˌzil-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exhilaration (audio)
1
: the action of exhilarating
2
: the state or the feeling of being exhilarated : high spirits

More from Merriam-Webster on exhilaration

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!