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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 Upon its conclusion, Zuccarello hopped over the bench for a brief curtain call, and the home crowd gave him a standing ovation of nearly 60 seconds. — Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, "Wild lose in Mats Zuccarello’s return to Madison Square Garden," 25 Nov. 2019 After about five minutes, he was wheeled off the court and given a standing ovation by Denver’s fans. — BostonGlobe.com, "DENVER — Celtics point guard Kemba Walker suffered an apparent head injury when he collided with teammate Semi Ojeleye with just over three minutes left in the second quarter of Boston’s 96-92 loss to the Nuggets on Friday.," 23 Nov. 2019 The opening presentation took place at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, where an audience of more than 1,000 people gave him a standing ovation. — Washington Post, "Gore kicking off 24 hours of climate talks around the world," 21 Nov. 2019 Michigan State had a moment of silence for Zachary Winston, and the crowd gave Cassius Winston a huge ovation before Sunday's game, Nov. 10, 2019. — Jeff Seidel, Detroit Free Press, "Zachary Winston's death and the lessons that came from it," 17 Nov. 2019 Sharks fans gave Marleau a standing ovation during a tribute on the video board during the game’s first TV timeout early in the first. — Ross Mckeon, SFChronicle.com, "Patrick Marleau is welcomed back with Sharks’ home win," 13 Oct. 2019 His departure from the field was greeted by applause from the home faithful, giving a standing ovation to a man who defies time and belief. — SI.com, "Franck Ribéry: The Serial Entertainer Who Was Born to Win," 3 Oct. 2019 The men were then shown in the audience to give Jerome a standing ovation. — Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, "Emmys: Jharrel Jerome Wins First Emmy for Lead Actor in 'When They See Us'," 23 Sep. 2019 Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss, Joseph Altuzarra, Adam Selman, Diane von Furstenberg, Alejandra Alonso Roja were among the crowd that gave the designer a standing ovation at the end of the show. — Channing Hargrove, refinery29.com, "Christopher John Rogers Proves He Is A Designer’s Designer," 8 Sep. 2019

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

2 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Ovation.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ovation. Accessed 12 December 2019.

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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

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with ovation

Spanish Central: Translation of ovation

Nglish: Translation of ovation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of ovation for Arabic Speakers

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