proclamation

noun

proc·​la·​ma·​tion ˌprä-klə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: the action of proclaiming : the state of being proclaimed

2

: something proclaimed

specifically : an official formal public announcement

Examples of proclamation in a Sentence

the proclamation of martial law

The President issued a proclamation which freed the slaves.

Recent Examples on the Web

Laugh about that proclamation after Florida’s 66-21 rout of Florida Atlantic, but the Gators have struggled with in-state G6 opponents recently. — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

The gigantic sinkhole, which formed in the driveway of the Malibu, California, home, is estimated to be up to 30 feet deep, 30 feet wide and 60 feet long, according to a proclamation of a local emergency issued by the City of Malibu. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

Rubin’s memory has been honored with a proclamation in Broward County and a portion of Davie Boulevard is named Rubin Stacy Memorial Blvd. — Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

Also over a memorable weekend in Millennium Park, pianist Robert Glasper, trumpeter Ella Grace and a mayoral proclamation. — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English proclamacion, from Anglo-French, from Latin proclamation-, proclamatio, from proclamare

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for proclamation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

proclamation

noun

proc·​la·​ma·​tion ˌpräk-lə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: the act of proclaiming

2

: something proclaimed

Legal Definition

proclamation

noun

proc·​la·​ma·​tion ˌprä-klə-ˈmā-shən 

1

: the act of proclaiming

2

: something proclaimed

specifically : an official formal public announcement (as a public notice, edict, or decree) compare declaration, executive order