exclamation

noun

ex·​cla·​ma·​tion ˌek-sklə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce exclamation (audio)
1
: a sharp or sudden utterance
2
: vehement expression of protest or complaint

Examples of exclamation in a Sentence

Her unexpected announcement caused a few exclamations of surprise. the good news was greeted with a chorus of joyous exclamations
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.
Second-year outfielder Andy Pages hit a go-ahead double in the 10th inning to propel LA to the win, adding an exclamation mark to a great season so far with the Dodgers. Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025 Rafael Devers then delivered the exclamation mark in the ninth with a solo shot to the second deck, and Toro finished the scoring with an RBI double. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 9 June 2025 Its lilting melody leads the listener by the band straight into the fist-pumping chorus, which simply repeats the title multiple times — with the exclamation mark included. Jem Aswad, Variety, 9 June 2025 Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark next to them. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for exclamation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exclamation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exclamation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exclamation. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

exclamation

noun
ex·​cla·​ma·​tion ˌeks-klə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce exclamation (audio)
1
: a sharp or sudden cry of strong feeling
2
: a strong expression of anger or complaint

More from Merriam-Webster on exclamation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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