clamour: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral; more common in written journalism and political commentary than casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “clamour” mean?
a loud, continuous, and insistent noise, especially from a group of people expressing strong emotion, demand, or protest.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a loud, continuous, and insistent noise, especially from a group of people expressing strong emotion, demand, or protest.
A strong, persistent, and often noisy public demand for or against something; to make or raise such a demand.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'clamour' (UK) vs. 'clamor' (US). Both noun and verb forms follow this spelling distinction.
Connotations
Slightly stronger literary/political register in both varieties. No major difference in connotation.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in news/political contexts in both regions. Slightly less common in everyday US speech.
Grammar
How to Use “clamour” in a Sentence
clamour for [something] (noun)clamour to [do something] (noun)to clamour for [something] (verb)to clamour to [do something] (verb)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clamour” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Protesters clamoured outside Parliament for the PM's resignation.
- The press clamoured to get a statement from the minister.
American English
- Investors clamored for more transparency from the company's board.
- Fans clamored to get the singer's autograph after the show.
adverb
British English
- No common adverb form.
American English
- No common adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No common adjective form. 'Clamorous' exists but is rare.
American English
- No common adjective form. 'Clamorous' exists but is rare.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Shareholder clamour for higher dividends forced the board to reconsider its strategy.
Academic
The historian documented the public clamour for reform that preceded the legislative changes of 1832.
Everyday
There was a clamour from the children for ice cream the moment the van arrived.
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clamour”
- Misspelling: 'clammer' or 'clammor'.
- Using it for a single person's complaint (it's collective).
- Confusing with 'glamour'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Clamour' specifically implies a loud, confused, and insistent noise, often from people shouting or demanding something. 'Noise' is a general term for any sound, loud or unpleasant.
Yes. As a verb, it means 'to make a loud, insistent demand or protest' (e.g., 'Protesters clamoured for justice').
It is generally neutral but context-dependent. It can be negative (e.g., clamour of complaints) or simply descriptive of energetic demand (e.g., clamour of excited fans).
The US spelling is 'clamor' for both the noun and verb forms.
a loud, continuous, and insistent noise, especially from a group of people expressing strong emotion, demand, or protest.
Clamour is usually formal to neutral; more common in written journalism and political commentary than casual conversation. in register.
Clamour: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklæmə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklæmər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a clamour for blood (demand for punishment/vengeance)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CLAM at the DOOR making a loud noise, demanding to be let in.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBLIC OPINION IS NOISE (A loud, insistent noise represents strong collective demand.)
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'clamour' used CORRECTLY?