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.
After watching the montage from the visitors’ dugout, Pressly and Tucker stepped on the field, tipped their caps to the fans giving them an ovation, and gave a wave of acknowledgement to the coaches, staff and players who watched in the Astros’ dugout. Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025 The premiere also included a Q&A, after which Scarlett and Lance earned a rapturous applause and standing ovation when the cast introduced them. Charna Flam, People.com, 26 June 2025 The former outfielder was given a raucous standing ovation by fans when he was introduced at the event. David Close, CNN Money, 20 June 2025 Despite some poor numbers, Chisholm was greeted with an ovation at Yankee Stadium prior to his first at-bat. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 4 June 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 8 Jul. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!