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

Covered in nautical tattoos and given to spiritual proclamations about the ocean’s generosity, Mitt is recognizable as a type. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026

President Joe Biden issued a presidential proclamation in 2021 creating Indigenous Peoples Day, although it hasn’t been made a federal holiday. — Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 12 Oct. 2026

After the storms, Pritzker issued a state disaster proclamation that made additional state resources available for response and recovery, his office said. — Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026

Pritzker issued a Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation, extending August's proclamation for an additional 30 days to provide continued support for local response efforts and recovery operations from the storms. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 8 Oct. 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