clarion

1 of 2

noun

clar·​i·​on ˈkler-ē-ən How to pronounce clarion (audio)
ˈkla-rē-
1
: a medieval trumpet with clear shrill tones
2
: the sound of or as if of a clarion

clarion

2 of 2

adjective

: brilliantly clear
her clarion top notes
also : loud and clear
a clarion call to action

Did you know?

In the Middle Ages, clarion was a noun, the name for a trumpet that could play a melody in clear, shrill tones. The noun has since been used for the sound of a trumpet or a similar sound. By the early 1800s, English speakers also started using the word as an adjective for things that ring as clear as the call of a well-played trumpet. Not surprisingly, clarion ultimately derives (via the Medieval Latin clario-) from clarus, which is the Latin word for "clear." In addition, clarus gave English speakers clarify, clarity, declare ("to make clearly known"), and clear itself.

Examples of clarion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
By Hannah Jackson October 5, 2024 Kim Kardashian is issuing a clarion, if somewhat obvious reminder: her name. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2024 Several hours later, traffic along the highway leading to Jerusalem snarled as thousands of Israelis came to pay their respects at the funeral of Goldberg-Polin, whose parents had been among the most public and energetic clarions for the hostages and their families. Ruth Margalit, The New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2024 Jamison, known and beloved for her clarion voice and her unflinching perception, has not shied away from self-interrogation in the past, but her new book is a particularly cutting account of her own decisions, motives, and desires. Chloe Schama, Vogue, 18 July 2024 The clarion of cheers, genuine smiles and celebratory hugs warmed my heart. Chandana Achanta, Baltimore Sun, 30 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for clarion 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French clairon, from Medieval Latin clarion-, clario, from Latin clarus

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clarion was in the 14th century

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near clarion

Cite this Entry

“Clarion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clarion. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

clarion

adjective
clar·​i·​on
ˈklar-ē-ən
1
: brilliantly clear
her clarion notes
2
: loud and clear
a clarion call to action

More from Merriam-Webster on clarion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!