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
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.
The first audience to see Christy gave the film a standing ovation, drawing an emotional reaction from Sweeney. Nigel Smith, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025 And scores of the world’s top auteurs came to compete with strong new titles — many of them instant Oscar contenders the moment the customary standing ovations wound down each night inside Venice’s Sala Grande cinema. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025 After a short break, the main part of the ceremony started with ith a witty intro from Faneli begging recipients to keep their speeches short, and a warm, respectful standing ovation for Giorgio Armani, who died on Thursday and whose Armani Beauty brand has long been a sponsor of the festival. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025 Hurts punctuated one score by chucking the ball into the stands and shrugging his shoulders much like his friend and mentor, Michael Jordan, who received a nice ovation when he was shown on the big screen. Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ovation

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ovation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ovation. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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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