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ovation

noun
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ova·​tion | \ ō-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce ovation (audio) \

Definition of ovation

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
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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 With sweat pouring down and her face flush from the physical exertion, O’Halloran crossed the finish line to a loud ovation. — Emmett Hall, sun-sentinel.com, "Jingle Bell Jog 5K brings out Christmas spirit in road racers," 23 Dec. 2020 As Refinery29 reports, the Game of Thrones star pretty much refused to sit down while applauding Cyrus, giving her the longest possible standing ovation. — Emily Dixon, Marie Claire, "Joe Jonas Bought Sophie Turner a Miley Cyrus T-Shirt for Christmas," 16 Dec. 2020 In 2018, Otto’s parents, along with his brother and sister Austin and Greta, were the president's guests at the State of the Union, where they were given an emotional standing ovation. — Eric Shawn, Fox News, "On Otto Warmbier's birthday, his legacy lives on," 14 Dec. 2020 Trask walked onto the field at the Swamp for the last time greeted by a full-throated ovation as a thank you from fans for a job well done during his final season. — Edgar Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, "LSU stuns Gators during regular-season finale," 12 Dec. 2020 Trump received another loud ovation before taking part in the coin toss before the game. — Andrew Mark Miller, Washington Examiner, "Cadets react with cheers and chants of 'USA!' as Trump walks onto field at Army-Navy game," 12 Dec. 2020 For Nicklas Lidstrom, he was announced as the new captain on opening night in 2006, drawing a standing ovation. — Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press, "With NHL season on horizon, Detroit Red Wings face mountain of questions," 9 Dec. 2020 Tiger Woods winning his improbable fifth green jacket to a raucous ovation, melting into his children’s arms. — Christine Brennan, USA TODAY, "Opinion: Dustin Johnson, the Masters both overcome COVID-19 in strangest golf major," 15 Nov. 2020 During the final seconds of the game, a 23-12 Packers win, Lombardi took Mr. Hornung out to a standing ovation from the fans. — Matt Schudel, Washington Post, "Paul Hornung, ‘Golden Boy’ for Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers, dies at 84," 14 Nov. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ovation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of ovation

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for ovation

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

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Time Traveler for ovation

Time Traveler

The first known use of ovation was in 1533

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Statistics for ovation

Last Updated

12 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Ovation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ovation. Accessed 22 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for ovation

ovation

noun
How to pronounce ovation (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of ovation

: an occurrence in which a group of people at a play, speech, sporting event, etc., show enthusiastic approval or appreciation by clapping their hands together over and over

See the full definition for ovation in the English Language Learners Dictionary

ovation

noun
ova·​tion | \ ō-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce ovation (audio) \

Kids Definition of ovation

: an expression of approval or enthusiasm made by clapping or cheering

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More from Merriam-Webster on ovation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ovation

Nglish: Translation of ovation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of ovation for Arabic Speakers

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