noun

clarion

KLA-rih-uhn

Clarion (noun) means a medieval brass instrument with a narrow tube and a high, piercing sound, once used to signal in battle. Example: “The clarion sounded as the knights charged.”

noun

A medieval brass instrument with a narrow tube and a high, piercing sound, once used to signal in battle.

"The clarion sounded as the knights charged."

adj

Loud, clear, and impossible to ignore — especially describing a message or call to action.

"Her speech was a clarion call for reform."

How to use clarion

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHistorically a shrill battle trumpet; today almost always used in the fixed phrase "clarion call," meaning a strong, unmistakable appeal for action.

Common pairings

a clarion call clarion voice

Word forms

clarioned past tense, clarions plural, clarions singular

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The _____ sounded as the knights charged.

Etymology

From Old French claron, from Medieval Latin clario, ultimately from Latin clarus, "clear, loud."

Origin: Medieval Latin

Rhymes for clarion

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension oxidation

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Frequently asked questions

What does “clarion” mean?

The word “clarion” means a medieval brass instrument with a narrow tube and a high, piercing sound, once used to signal in battle. In plain terms, historically a shrill battle trumpet; today almost always used in the fixed phrase "clarion call," meaning a strong, unmistakable appeal for action.

How do you pronounce “clarion”?

“Clarion” is pronounced KLA-rih-uhn (/ˈklæ.ɹi.ən/ in IPA).

How do you use “clarion” in a sentence?

Here is “clarion” used in a sentence: “The clarion sounded as the knights charged.”

What part of speech is “clarion”?

Depending on how it is used, “clarion” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “clarion” come from?

The word “clarion” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French claron, from Medieval Latin clario, ultimately from Latin clarus, "clear, loud.".

How many meanings does “clarion” have?

“Clarion” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a medieval brass instrument with a narrow tube and a high, piercing sound, once used to signal in battle.