excitement

noun

ex·​cite·​ment ik-ˈsīt-mənt How to pronounce excitement (audio)
1
: something that excites or rouses
2
: the action of exciting : the state of being excited

Examples of excitement in a Sentence

Our excitement was building as the end of the game approached. His hands shook with excitement. The child cried out in excitement. a trip filled with excitement and adventure She talked about the excitements of her new life. This job loses its excitement after a while.
Recent Examples on the Web Those who need a bit more excitement can grab a paddleboard and explore the hidden coves and rocky shorelines. Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2024 The interview instead conveys a thrilling sense of excitement and hope. Diane Brady, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2024 Despite the lineup of talented performers and the many activities, from diverse vendors to carnival rides, the atmosphere seems to be lacking the infectious excitement and enthusiasm typically associated with the festival. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 12 Apr. 2024 That film, directed by Shawn Levy, is expected to be a major blockbuster in part because of fan excitement over the pairing of the two colorful stars. Brent Lang, Variety, 11 Apr. 2024 As the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics approach, thousands of travelers eager to be a part of the athletic excitement are likely searching for the perfect accommodations. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024 Bonuses – Generous bonuses help to keep the excitement building. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2024 Today’s great photo is from freelance photographer Al Seib at the California Science Center, which captures the excitement students from Pearblossom Elementary in Littlerock, Calif., experienced while staring skyward to view the the partial solar eclipse on Monday. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2024 Ford House prepares for eclipse excitement 12:42: Preparing to fly to Detroit amid mid-air eclipse 12:40: Hear wedding bells south of us? Matthew Dolan, Detroit Free Press, 8 Apr. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of excitement was in 1604

Dictionary Entries Near excitement

Cite this Entry

“Excitement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excitement. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

excitement

noun
ex·​cite·​ment ik-ˈsīt-mənt How to pronounce excitement (audio)
1
: something that excites
2
: the state of being excited : agitation

Medical Definition

excitement

noun
ex·​cite·​ment -ˈsīt-mənt How to pronounce excitement (audio)
1
: the act of exciting
2
: the state of being excited: as
a
: aroused, augmented, or abnormal activity of an organism or functioning of an organ or part
b
: extreme motor hyperactivity (as in catatonic schizophrenia or bipolar disorder)

More from Merriam-Webster on excitement

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