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

Panarin, who received a video tribute and ovation from the crowd during the first television timeout, had 607 points (205 goals, 402 assists), ninth in Rangers history, in 482 regular-season games for the team. —Daily News, 17 Mar. 2026

Hensley and Anderson obviously had plenty of fans in the building and got the loudest ovations. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2026

Perhaps the greatest moment was Jordan standing on stage for a few extra seconds after his speech, taking in the standing ovation. —Samantha Highfill, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026

In another, Taylor gave a generous and enthusiastic standing ovation for Amy Madigan, who ended up winning the best supporting actress category for her role in Weapons. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 16 Mar. 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
• 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