ovation

noun ova·tion \ ō-ˈvā-shən \

|Updated on: 15 Jul 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

After a run scored on a ground out, Anthony Rizzo received a standing ovation from the Wrigley Field crowd on his way back to the dugout.

— bobby nightengale, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati Reds bullpen blows 5-run lead in loss to Chicago Cubs," 7 July 2018
He was introduced to the crowd Monday night in the bottom of the third inning and received a standing ovation.

— jr radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Thirteen things you may have forgotten about Milwaukee's acquisition of CC Sabathia 10 years ago," 6 July 2018
Left-hander Paul Fry, who also was called up on Friday, made his major league debut with one out in the eighth inning and got a big ovation for finishing that inning by striking out Cole Calhoun and Trout.

— peter schmuck, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles' losing streak continues with 7-1 loss to struggling Angels," 30 June 2018
Here’s part of #repTourSeattle’s standing ovation for @taylorswift13 after Don’t Blame Me.

— rebecca farley, refinery29.com, "Sans Camila Cabello, Taylor Swift's Reputation Tour Hits The Rainy City," 23 May 2018
This loud ovation for random-guy-in-a-shirt draws an even louder response than when Boston's own Donnie Wahlberg gets face time on the big screen.

— candace buckner, chicagotribune.com, "In Cavaliers-Celtics, a tale of two coaches: Scorn for Tyronn Lue, praise for Brad Stevens," 19 May 2018
Visiting as President-elect, Trump received a standing ovation.

— ian parker, The New Yorker, "21, the Home of Trump’s Favorite Burger, Renovates Without Proper Permits," 14 May 2018
But the crowd’s biggest source of confusion might have been because Wilson appeared during a loud ovation for the kings of the franchise, Willie Mays and Willie McCovey.

— ann killion, San Francisco Chronicle, "Brian Wilson’s appearance at AT&T Park odd, but welcome," 4 Apr. 2018
The stylish family was seen joining the standing ovation for Jones' finale with Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss by his side.

— chrissy rutherford, Harper's BAZAAR, "How the Beckham Family Does Menswear," 18 Jan. 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