noun

exclamation

eks-kluh-MAY-shun/ˌekskləˈmeɪʃn/

A sudden expression of strong feeling.

The adult gives a delighted exclamation on seeing the surprise birthday cake.

A child and adult spot a surprise birthday cake; adult gives a sudden delighted spoken reaction with one small exclamation glyph, no written dialogue.

Etymology

exLatinout; perhaps intensifying

+clamLatincry, shout, call

+ationLatinact or process

Built on “cry” or “shout,” with ex- perhaps adding emphasis, the noun names an act of crying aloud. It also names the words uttered with that force or passion.

In context

The Histories41:31

came across a crater in his path from which Tis sprung. The plowman's shout of exclamation gathered a large crowd

Who were the Etruscans?

More examples

His sudden exclamation makes everyone turn around.
The surprise announcement draws exclamations of disbelief.
An exclamation of pain escapes her as she twists her ankle.

Forms

exclamation · exclamations

exclaim verb — To speak suddenly with strong feeling.

exclamatory adjective — Expressing strong feeling through an utterance.

Similar words

cry: Often emphasizes a loud sound rather than spoken words.
outburst: Suggests a stronger, less controlled display, often of anger.