Added 10 October 2026
clarion
/ˈklæɹ.ɪ.ən/ noun
Latin root: clāriōn Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about clarion at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
-
A medieval brass instrument chiefly used as a battle signal; related to the trumpet, it had a narrow, straight pipe and a high-pitched, piercing sound.
The clarion’s call to action has been heard.
- The sound of a clarion (sense 1), or any sound resembling the loud, high-pitched note of a clarion. An organ stop consisting of pipes with reeds giving a high-pitched note like that of a clarion (sense 1). The middle register of the clarinet.
- The sound of a clarion (sense 1), or any sound resembling the loud, high-pitched note of a clarion.
adjective
verb
- To announce or herald (something) using a clarion (noun sense 1). To announce or herald (something) clearly, especially so as to stir or unite people. Of a thing: to cause (a place) to echo with a sound like that of a clarion.
- To announce or herald (something) using a clarion (noun sense 1). To announce or herald (something) clearly, especially so as to stir or unite people.
- To announce or herald (something) clearly, especially so as to stir or unite people.
Origin
The noun is derived from Middle English clarion, clarioun (“trumpet with a narrow tube and a shrill sound, clarion; clarion player”) [and other forms], from Old French claron, clarïon (“clarion”) [and other forms], from Medieval Latin clāriōn, clario, clārōn (“clarion; trumpet”), from Latin clārus (“audible; clear, distinct, loud; (visually) bright, clear”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kelh₁- (“to call, summon; to cry”). The adjective is from an attributive use of the noun.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)