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

Patriots owner Robert Kraft attended Monday’s Celtics game and received a rousing ovation from the Garden crowd. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 27 Jan. 2026

The United Center crowd held a standing ovation in support of Murray during a tribute video. —Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026

The dealmaking has already gone through Sunday night and began almost as soon as the movie received a standing ovation after its Saturday night premiere at the Eccles Theatre and then enjoyed rave reviews. —Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 26 Jan. 2026

The film debuted to rave reviews and the audience gave it a standing ovation, which saw Wilde wiping away years onstage. —Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 25 Jan. 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