exhilaration

noun

ex·​hil·​a·​ra·​tion ig-ˌzi-lə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exhilaration (audio)
1
: the action of exhilarating
2
: the feeling or the state of being exhilarated

Examples of exhilaration in a Sentence

I felt a kind of exhilaration when I reached the top of the mountain. the lavish spectacle results in one exhilaration after another
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Experiences such as the exhilaration of standing on a mountain peak, the sensory delight of walking along a sandy beach or the intellectual stimulation of immersing oneself in diverse cultural and historical city centers can offer profound personal value. Dana Dunne, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 From an early age, Rose Valland’s exhilaration was art. Erin Douglass, Christian Science Monitor, 29 May 2025 There’s that wonderful exhilaration of being invited into a movie with a great director, great cast, great script and the euphoria of being asked to play in the company as an artist. Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025 That exhilaration comes from one more character, the military man Larry (Samuel Ademola). David John Chávez, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exhilaration

Word History

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exhilaration was in 1622

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exhilaration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exhilaration. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

exhilaration

noun
ex·​hil·​a·​ra·​tion ig-ˌzil-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce exhilaration (audio)
1
: the action of exhilarating
2
: the state or the feeling of being exhilarated : high spirits

More from Merriam-Webster on exhilaration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!