ovation

noun ova·tion \ ō-ˈvā-shən \

|Updated on: 12 Aug 2018

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 of ovation from the Web

In the days ahead, you’d be hailed as a savior in the community and in the news, given a spontaneous ovation at the post office.

— lizzie johnson, SFChronicle.com, "Regret haunts Wine Country fire hero: ‘I’ve never cried this much’," 13 July 2018
The free throws gave Cooley 10 points for the evening along with five rebounds and an assist—numbers far from ovation-worthy.

— si.com staff, SI.com, "Weekend Read: Meet the 'Adopted Son' of NBA Summer League, Astroball's Release and More," 13 July 2018
Many on the right are clapping, if not delivering standing ovations.

— howard kurtz, Fox News, "Some conservatives lukewarm, but Trump delivered for his base with Kavanaugh," 11 July 2018
After soaking up your ovation, just squeeze into your boatmobile and skedaddle. ——Mr.

— sam walker, WSJ, "Now on Broadway: SpongeBob ChauvinistPants," 11 July 2018
If a standing ovation at a packed preview on Monday night was any measure, audiences seem to relish the result.

— joseph berger, New York Times, "How Do You Say ‘Tradition’ in Yiddish?," 11 July 2018
Amazed by her talent, Heidi promptly stood up to give the 15-year-old a standing ovation.

— kayla keegan, Good Housekeeping, "'America's Got Talent' Fans Are Upset After Heidi Klum Gave MaKayla Phillips the Golden Buzzer," 11 July 2018
Many fans gave him a standing ovation when he was taken off in the second half.

— Washington Post, "Croatia ends Russia’s run, advances to World Cup semifinals," 7 July 2018
Featuring an astounding 63 looks, the collection designed by creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli was enough to garner a standing ovation and bring Mr. Valentino himself, who sat front row, to tears.

— lauren alexis fisher, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Gowns At Valentino's Couture Show Will Take Your Breath Away," 5 July 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of ovation

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

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First Known Use: 1533

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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ovation Synonyms

OVATION Defined for English Language Learners

ovation

noun

Definition of ovation for English Language Learners

: 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