ovation

noun

ova·​tion ō-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce ovation (audio)
1
: a ceremony attending the entering of Rome by a general who had won a victory of less importance than that for which a triumph was granted
2
: an expression or demonstration of popular acclaim especially by enthusiastic applause
received a standing ovation

Examples of ovation in a Sentence

He was welcomed by a warm ovation when he came out onto the stage. received a standing ovation for the masterly performance
Recent Examples on the Web The Apprentice received rave reviews and an 8-minute standing ovation after its Cannes Film Festival premiere in May. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Oct. 2024 When Emhoff finally took the stage, he was met with a rock-show-like ovation. Sarah Larson, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024 The game was stopped for an eight-minute ovation as Rose, after hugging his bat-boy son Pete Jr., stood crying at first base. Mike Kupper, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2024 After announcing her departure while teary-eyed, the entire crew for the morning show gave Kotb a standing ovation, as was seen in a behind-the-scenes video shared on X (formerly known as Twitter). Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ovation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ovation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin ovation-, ovatio, from ovare to exult; akin to Greek euoi, interjection used in bacchic revels

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ovation was in 1533

Dictionary Entries Near ovation

Cite this Entry

“Ovation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ovation. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

ovation

noun
ova·​tion ō-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce ovation (audio)
: a public expression of praise : enthusiastic applause

More from Merriam-Webster on ovation

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