exclaim

verb

ex·​claim ik-ˈsklām How to pronounce exclaim (audio)
exclaimed; exclaiming; exclaims

intransitive verb

1
: to cry out or speak in strong or sudden emotion
exclaimed in delight
2
: to speak loudly or vehemently
exclaimed against immorality

transitive verb

: to utter sharply, passionately, or vehemently : proclaim
exclaimer noun

Examples of exclaim in a Sentence

“Here he comes!” someone exclaimed. She exclaimed in delight over the Christmas tree. The children exclaimed with wonder when they saw the elephant.
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.
Any of my friends who have allegiances to Western Conference squads will often lament the tough start of their team or a bad stretch for their beloved franchise, only to then exclaim what their positioning would be in the East. Zach Harper, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024 Jelly Roll exclaimed, pointing to his own neck, and got to work. Janine Henni, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024 Shekinah exclaimed while hugging a less-than-enthusiastic Sarper. Abigail Adams, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024 Dasha exclaimed, admiring her new tequila keepsake, which had her name spelled out in pink jewels. Matt Tighe, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for exclaim 

Word History

Etymology

Middle French exclamer, from Latin exclamare, from ex- + clamare to cry out — more at claim

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exclaim was in 1566

Dictionary Entries Near exclaim

Cite this Entry

“Exclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exclaim. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

exclaim

verb
ex·​claim iks-ˈklām How to pronounce exclaim (audio)
: to cry out or speak suddenly or with strong feeling
exclaimed in delight

More from Merriam-Webster on exclaim

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!