acclamation

[ ak-luh-mey-shuhn ]

noun

1. a loud shout or other demonstration of welcome, goodwill, or approval.
2. act of acclaiming.
3. Liturgy. a brief responsive chant in antiphonal singing.
4. Ecclesiastical. response ( def 3a ).

acclamation

/ -trɪ; ˌækləˈmeɪʃən; əˈklæmətərɪ /

noun

1. an enthusiastic reception or exhibition of welcome, approval, etc
2. an expression of approval by a meeting or gathering through shouts or applause
3. an instance of electing or being elected without opposition

   there were two acclamations in the 1985 election

4. by acclamation
   1. by an overwhelming majority without a ballot
   2. (of an election or electoral victory) without opposition

      he won by acclamation

Derived Forms

• acclamatory, adjective

Other Words From

• ac·clam·a·to·ry [uh, -, klam, -, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective
• reac·cla·mation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of acclamation¹

1535–45; < Latin acclāmātiōn- (stem of acclāmātiō ) a shouting, equivalent to acclāmāt ( us ) (past participle of acclāmāre; acclaim, -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. by acclamation, by an oral vote, often unanimous, expressing approval by shouts, hand-clapping, etc., rather than by formal ballot.

Example Sentences

He couldn't live with the fact that even though he had technically won the election, it was not by popular acclamation.

From Salon

The role is partly ceremonial — Mainelli’s election in November was conducted by acclamation and was followed by a 3-mile procession, with floats, marching bands and a gold State Coach.

From Seattle Times

The polling in New Hampshire, which is set to vote next week, suggests that voters there are not prepared to nominate Trump by acclamation either.

From Salon

“Phenomenal” is a raunchy acclamation of lust and self-love, rapped and sung over springy, changeable Latin jazz grooves.

From New York Times

The Buzz Gang’s first pass at the best-picture race mixes personal picks and perceived slam dunks by acclamation, this summer’s “Barbenheimer” phenomenon among them.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ovation
• salutation