exclamation

[ ek-skluh-mey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of exclaiming; outcry; loud complaint or protest:

   The speech was continually interrupted by rude exclamations.

   Synonyms: vociferation, ejaculation, cry

2. an interjection.
3. Rhetoric. ecphonesis.

exclamation

/ ˌɛkskləˈmeɪʃən /

noun

1. an abrupt, emphatic, or excited cry or utterance; interjection; ejaculation
2. the act of exclaiming

Derived Forms

• ˌexclaˈmational, adjective

Other Words From

• excla·mation·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exclamation¹

1350–1400; Middle English exclamacio ( u ) n < Latin exclāmātiōn- (stem of exclāmātiō ) a calling out, equivalent to exclāmāt ( us ) (past participle of exclāmāre; exclaim ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

That so many Republicans and Democrats did not vote in one of the most important presidential elections in the country’s history, is an exclamation mark on a society in crisis.

From Salon

“Really pleased,” Harbaugh said, raising his voice as a final exclamation point, “with a great team win. Great team effort.”

From Los Angeles Times

His Madison Square Garden rally was an exclamation mark for this fact.

From Salon

Then, repeating an exclamation from someone in the crowd, she said, “F— Donald Trump,” to a roar of approval from the audience.

From Los Angeles Times

The exclamation point came on another third down early in the fourth quarter when Garbers found running back Jalen Berger for a nine-yard touchdown pass.

From Los Angeles Times