English Reference

Word

clamor

Phoneticsclam·or, stress on the first syllable

/ˈkɫæmɝ/

UK spelling · clamour

Countable & uncountable

Definition

n. a loud noise made by many people shouting together. You also use it for a strong public demand for something.

n. a loud, sustained outcry from a crowd; a strong public demand for action or change.

Examples

“The crowd makes a loud clamor at the game.”

“Parents raise a clamor for safer crossings after the accident near the school.”

“Despite the clamor of traders on the floor, the analyst kept her focus on the flickering data that foretold the downturn.”

Examples

simple

“The crowd makes a loud clamor at the game.”

contextual

“Parents raise a clamor for safer crossings after the accident near the school.”

complex

“Despite the clamor of traders on the floor, the analyst kept her focus on the flickering data that foretold the downturn.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “clamor” in context.

Verb

01. clamor dies down

“The clamor finally died down after officials promised a full investigation.”

noun + verb + particle

02. clamor erupts

“A loud clamor erupted from the crowd when the results were announced.”

noun + verb

03. clamor fades

“The clamor faded slowly as the protesters began to disperse.”

noun + verb

04. clamor intensifies

“The clamor intensifies as election day approaches.”

noun + verb

Adjective

05. angry clamor

“An angry clamor erupted outside the courtroom after the verdict was announced.”

adj + noun

06. deafening clamor

“A deafening clamor rose from the stadium as the final goal was scored.”

adj + noun

07. growing clamor

“The growing clamor for tax reform could no longer be ignored by lawmakers.”

adj + noun

Noun

08. chorus of clamor

“A chorus of clamor greeted the speaker as he took the stage.”

noun + prep + noun

09. clamor for change

“The prime minister faces a loud clamor for change within his own party.”

noun + prep + noun

10. clamor for reform

“There is a growing clamor for reform of the electoral system.”

noun + prep + noun

11. amid the deafening clamor

“Amid the deafening clamor, the referee struggled to make himself heard.”

12. growing clamor for reform

“The growing clamor for reform has put pressure on parliament to act quickly.”

Usage

Often followed by 'for' when expressing demand ('clamor for change').

Real-World Examples

“Theater owners are clamoring to book You Can See Everything in additional locations after a very successful opening weekend.”
NPR 19 Oct 2026
“But when in a few years the inevitable clamour comes that the 9 is too easy, it will be simple enough to stick up the top grade to 10.”
BBC News 24 Aug 2017

Etymology

Recorded in English since c. 1385, as Middle English clamour, from Old French clamor (modern clameur), from Latin clāmor (“a shout, cry”), from clāmō (“cry out, complain”). The verb sense "to silence" may have a distinct (unknown) etymology.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Synonyms

Antonyms

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Occasional
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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English Reference