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

That film, which won the Silver Lion, was considered a shoo-in for the festival’s top award after its 22-minute standing ovation, which stands as the fest’s longest. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

The Japanese-French-language drama premiered to an 11-minute standing ovation at Cannes and went on to win a Best Actress prize for both of its stars, Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026

On Saturday, Pete received a standing ovation from members of the Navajo Nation who were in the stadium in Glendale, Ariz. — Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

The Venice audience embraced the film, giving it a festival-best 22-minute standing ovation. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 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
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

ovation

noun

ova·​tion ō-ˈvā-shən 

: a public expression of praise : enthusiastic applause