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

• acclamation
• applause
• cheer
• cheering
• plaudit(s)
• rave(s)
• réclame

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

The revelation of her cane at curtain call brings to their feet those in the audience who weren’t already inclined to join the standing ovation. —Han Ong, New Yorker, 22 June 2025

His condemnation of authoritarianism electrified the audience, earning a standing ovation and setting a reflective tone that remained all week. —Jamie Lang, Variety, 20 June 2025

Legislative leaders began the session by talking tough about reining in the industry, receiving standing ovations in the House and Senate. —Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025

The audience responded with a stunned and tumultuous standing ovation. —Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 17 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