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ovation

noun

ova·​tion ō-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce ovation (audio)
Synonyms of ovationnext
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At that moment, the Duke of Sussex, 41, interrupted Colbert’s speech and popped up behind the host — sending the audience into cheers and a standing ovation. Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025 Frankenstein premiered at Venice in late August, drawing a monster 15-minute ovation. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 4 Dec. 2025 With under 30 seconds remaining in the first quarter, the 35-year-old guard, having not played in an NBA game since April, checked into the game and received an ovation from the crowd. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 2025 The final whistle mercifully sounded, and the Snapdragon Stadium crowd – much of which resisted the temptation to get a head start on traffic – stood and honored the expansion club with a heartfelt ovation. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ovation

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ovation was in 1533

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ovation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ovation. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

ovation

noun
ova·​tion ō-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce ovation (audio)
: a public expression of praise : enthusiastic applause

More from Merriam-Webster on ovation

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