ovation

noun

ova·​tion ō-ˈvā-shən 

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

Synonyms

• acclamation
• applause
• cheer
• cheering
• plaudit(s)
• rave(s)
• réclame

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

She was met with a roaring standing ovation, including from Nodal, who watched from the audience, according to the outlet. —Karen Fratti, People.com, 30 Mar. 2025

As Cortes left the mound, Yankees fans responded with a comical standing ovation. —Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2025

Anderson stepped out of the box as the ovation grew louder. —Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025

The film, which closed the 2022 Cannes Critics’ Week to a seven-minute standing ovation, offers a harrowing narrative inspired by true events. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Mar. 2025

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

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