acclamation

noun

ac·​cla·​ma·​tion ˌa-klə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce acclamation (audio)
1
: a loud eager expression of approval, praise, or assent
2
: an overwhelming affirmative vote by cheers, shouts, or applause rather than by ballot

Did you know?

Approval can come from a single person, but acclamation requires a larger audience. An acclaimed movie is widely praised, and critical acclaim can lead to box-office success. When a popular proposal comes up in a legislature, the speaker may ask that it be passed "by acclamation", which means that everyone just gets to yell and cheer in approval and no one bothers counting the votes at all.

Examples of acclamation in a Sentence

Her performance in the ballet earned her thunderous applause and shouts of acclamation from the audience. She has earned worldwide acclamation for her charitable works.
Recent Examples on the Web But 2020, the year when a virus came out of China and shut down the world, gets in by acclamation. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2024 The song was released in 2019 but didn’t become a smash until 2023, when by popular acclamation her quasi-oldie was all but officially declared the song of summer. Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Nov. 2023 And on Tuesday, Russia, voicing displeasure about its general treatment by Olympic officials, called for an unusual vote on the measure, which is normally adopted by acclamation. Andrew Keh, New York Times, 23 Nov. 2023 If Mordaunt does not reach 100 nominations, Sunak will win by acclamation. Jill Lawless, BostonGlobe.com, 23 Oct. 2022 It should be noted that, if the HOA has complied with Civil Code Section 5103 regarding elections by acclamation, and if there are not more candidates than open seats, this process is unnecessary because in that circumstance the board can simply declare the candidates elected. Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2023 After more defensive feats and a solid offensive performance, including a game-winning home run, Robinson’s World Series MVP trophy was awarded practically by acclamation. Nr Editors, National Review, 20 Oct. 2023 At a young age, we are inculcated by our elders — those close to us as well as friends who became aunties, uncles and cousins by polite acclamation. Elizabeth Wong, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2023 Her unilateral order Friday to ban the carrying of firearms in the state’s most populous county was contradicted by acclamation, even before it was legally blocked Wednesday by a federal judge. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 13 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'acclamation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French acclamacion, borrowed from Latin acclāmātiōn-, acclāmātiō, from acclāmāre "to acclaim entry 1" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of acclamation was in 1567

Dictionary Entries Near acclamation

Cite this Entry

“Acclamation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acclamation. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

acclamation

noun
ac·​cla·​ma·​tion ˌak-lə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce acclamation (audio)
1
: a loud eager expression of approval, praise, or agreement
2
: an overwhelming positive vote by voice
elected by acclamation

More from Merriam-Webster on acclamation

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