ovation

noun

ova·​tion ō-ˈvā-shən 

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

Synonyms

• 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

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

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

Phrases Containing ovation

• standing ovation

Rhymes for ovation

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

Kids Definition

ovation

noun

ova·​tion ō-ˈvā-shən 

: a public expression of praise : enthusiastic applause