clarion

[ klar-ee-uhn ]

adjective

1. clear and shrill:

   the clarion call of a battle trumpet.

noun

1. an ancient trumpet with a curved shape.
2. the sound of this instrument.
3. any similar sound.

clarion

/ ˈklærɪən /

noun

1. a four-foot reed stop of trumpet quality on an organ
2. an obsolete, high-pitched, small-bore trumpet
3. the sound of such an instrument or any similar sound

adjective

1. prenominal clear and ringing; inspiring

   a clarion call to action

verb

1. to proclaim loudly

Word History and Origins

Origin of clarion¹

1275–1325; Middle English < Medieval Latin clāriōn- (stem of clāriō ) trumpet, equivalent to clār- clear + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of clarion¹

C14: from Medieval Latin clāriō trumpet, from Latin clārus clear

Example Sentences

Because every signal called out in these waning days of the Trump campaign is a clarion call to further enshittify democratic systems and protections.

From Slate

Lost in the vitriol surrounding Coates’ moral clarity on Palestine is the clarion call to Black writers in "The Message," that now is not the time to shrink from the tradition of which our vocation is a part — the Black Radical Tradition.

From Salon

Thurman’s story needs to be a clarion call to physicians to act on behalf of our patients, no matter where they live.

From Slate

Kamala Harris has made that the clarion call of her campaign.

From Salon

"Any and every gesture toward restoring Groen’s status within the party sends a clarion message that the era of accountability is passed."

From Salon