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
Noun
Jamila Woods at the Howard Theatre Jamila Woods remains a clarion voice for freedom, hope and liberation in music. Chris Kelly, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2024 In Scotland, the departure of Ms. Sturgeon, a clarion voice for Scottish independence, has left that movement at loose ends. Mark Landler, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2023 So do all who do her wrong in a winning cast that included Reinoud Van Mechelen as a clarion Jason and Carolyn Sampson, a sweet-toned Creuse. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2023 Jane Kaczmarek, whose performance — and the sound of her unmistakable, clarion voice as Cal dresses Apollo down — offers an instant hit of narrative dopamine. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2023 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, 12 Jan. 2024 With National Day falling on a Sunday this year, mass was augmented with elements of the Monaco Symphony, as well as clarions from the principality's Carabinieri orchestra. Peter Mikelbank, Peoplemag, 19 Nov. 2023 Lydon’s post-punk band, Public Image Ltd, expanded his musical style, and his voice is always a clarion, warning about the deep hypocrisies of social institutions and individual egos. Armond White, National Review, 23 Aug. 2023 Abeysekera — a petite hurricane of an actor with reeling limbs and a clarion voice — is excellent in an exhausting role. Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clarion.' 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

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

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Dictionary Entries Near clarion

Cite this Entry

“Clarion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clarion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

clarion

adjective
clar·​i·​on
ˈklar-ē-ən
: brilliantly clear
a clarion call to action

More from Merriam-Webster on clarion

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