WordGarden.ioclamor
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /klˈæmə/
US
- /ˈklæmər/
Meanings
Noun
a loud, confused noise, especially from many voices
a loud public demand or outcry
Verb
to shout or make a loud, confused noise
to demand something loudly or insistently
Beyond the definition
Imagine a crowded marketplace – vendors calling out prices, customers haggling, children laughing, all blending into one big, boisterous sound. That is a clamor. It's more than just noise; it's a loud and confusing mix of voices expressing strong feelings, often demands or protests. You might hear a clamor for change after an unfair decision, or a clamor for tickets to a popular concert. Sometimes, the clamor isn't about sound at all – it can mean a forceful demand for something, like "There was a public clamor for justice." Think of it as a noisy, insistent plea.
The word "clamor" describes a loud and confused noise, especially one made by a large group of people expressing their opinions or demands. It's not just random shouting; there's usually an underlying urgency or intensity to the sound. Think of a mob protesting in the streets – that would be described as a clamor.
However, "clamor" isn't limited to physical sounds. It can also refer to a strong and insistent demand or call for something. For example, "There was a growing clamor for political reform," means many people were loudly and persistently demanding changes in the government. As a verb, to clamor (for something) is to demand it loudly and persistently; you might also hear the phrase "raise a clamor," meaning to protest loudly.
The origin of "clamor" comes from Latin, suggesting a loud outcry or shout. It carries a sense of urgency, often bordering on disruption. While noise can simply be unpleasant, a clamor feels purposeful and insistent.
So whether it's the din of a busy crowd or a forceful demand for action, "clamor" represents a powerful expression of collective voice – sometimes chaotic, but always noticeable.
Examples
- 1
Classroom noise
The children’s clamor from the hallway made it hard to hear the teacher.
- 2
Public demand
There was growing clamor for the mayor to resign.
- Patternclamor for + person to do something
strong public demand
- 3
Concert demand
Fans clamored for more dates after the band sold out its first show.
- 4
Reporters
She tried to stay calm amid the clamor of reporters outside the courthouse.
- Patternamid the clamor of + people/noise
in the middle of loud noise or shouting
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Customer complaints
After the fees went up again, customers began clamoring for refunds.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- clamornounverb
Forms
- clamoring-ing formverbnoun
- clamoredpast tenseverbnoun
- clamorspluralnounverb