adjective

exultant

ig-ZUL-tuhnt/ɪɡˈzʌltənt/

Filled with joy at a success or victory.

The exultant runner lifts both fists after breaking the finish ribbon.

A race winner beams with triumphant joy immediately beyond a broken finish ribbon, both fists lifted high.

Etymology

exLatinout

+ultLatinto leap

+antLatinpresent-participle ending

The pieces point to leaping out or up, with the underlying verb describing leaping about. Leaping or dancing for joy supplies the connection to triumphant delight.

In context

Storytime Haven310:30

Other shots rang out, mingled with the wild exultant shouts of the guards as they bore down full upon us

The Czar's Spy: The Mystery of a Silent Love 🕵️‍♂️💘 | William Le Queux Classic Spy Thriller

More examples

She sounds exultant when she announces her promotion.
An exultant cheer rises as the final score appears.
He feels exultant after finally passing the licensing exam.

Forms

exultant

exult verb — To rejoice greatly over a success.

exultation noun — Great joy at a success or victory.

Similar words

triumphant: Emphasizes the feeling or display of having won.
jubilant: Describes lively joy, not necessarily tied to a victory.