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

After Rangeview’s undefeated season went up in smoke last March at the Denver Coliseum, Archie Weatherspoon V doled out a big hug and an even bigger proclamation. —Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026

His concern extended beyond the precise question of the neutrality proclamation; Madison offered a more general admonition against bestowing war powers on a single, potentially flawed individual. —Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2026

Osuna, who’d only played 57 games above Single-A before last season, debuted with the Rangers nearly three months to the day of Bochy’s initial proclamation. —Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 1 Mar. 2026

The proclamation paid tribute to the San Dieguito Surf Team’s deep legacy that goes back to the 1940s, fostering surf legends such as Linda Benson, Don Hansen, Cori Schumacher and Rob Machado. —Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 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