acclamation

American  

[ak-luh-mey-shuhn] / ˌæk ləˈmeɪ ʃən /

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.

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idioms

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

acclamation British  

/ -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. 1. by an overwhelming majority without a ballot

   2. (of an election or electoral victory) without opposition

      he won by acclamation

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Other Word Forms

• acclamatory adjective
• reacclamation noun

Etymology

Origin of acclamation

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

Example Sentences

The Kazakh was the only candidate left standing and was named president by acclamation at the annual congress in Rome.

From Barron's • Nov. 23, 2025

It would appear, therefore, that if federations oppose one bid, they would have to support neither, with no separate acclamation for each of the potential hosts.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2024

It’s unclear whether there will be a formal vote or whether the report will be approved by acclamation.

From Washington Times • Jun. 19, 2023

Francis was elected by acclamation with a bang of the gavel and loud applause.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 1, 2023

Thus, ’twas with general acclamation that we greeted the arrival of two women to collect our laundry this day.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

Related Words

• ovation
• salutation