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

The movie per Deadline’s Pete Hammond at the time received a 15-minute standing ovation at the world premiere, certainly one of the festival’s longest. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 1 May 2026

The shivering crowd rose to give the new council members a standing ovation. —Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026

The speech was a high-stakes diplomatic moment, but he was met with a warm and bipartisan reception and received several standing ovations. —Max Foster, CNN Money, 1 May 2026

During the first timeout, the team played a tribute video that drew a standing ovation, with fans holding signs and wearing Reese jerseys throughout the arena. —Christopher Harris, CBS News, 30 Apr. 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
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

Kids Definition

ovation

noun

ova·​tion ō-ˈvā-shən 

: a public expression of praise : enthusiastic applause