ovation

noun

ova·​tion ō-ˈvā-shən 

1

: an expression or demonstration of popular acclaim especially by enthusiastic applause

received a standing ovation

2

: 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

Synonyms of ovation

• applause

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

News of the release date comes just hours after the film’s triumphant Cannes competition premiere, where the feature received a 20-minute ovation in the presence of the directors and cast which includes Penelope Cruz and star singer-songwriter Guitarricadelafuente. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 22 May 2026

The ovation came at the end of a competition premiere that moved many in the audience to tears. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 May 2026

When handed a microphone during the ovation, Almodóvar seemed visibly touched. —Jada Yuan, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2026

If a film is good, the standing ovation can go on for what feels like an eternity. —Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 19 May 2026

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 2

Phrases Containing ovation

• standing ovation

Rhymes for ovation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

ovation

noun

ova·​tion ō-ˈvā-shən 

: a public expression of praise : enthusiastic applause