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

UConn got sloppy at the end and Iowa cut the lead to 82-72 in the waning moments of the game and Auriemma put Strong back in after taking her out to an ovation. — Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 2026

Oba Femi appeared at the top of the stage to a raucous ovation. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Related Stories Club Kid, Firstman’s debut feature, landed at A24 — perhaps the most fitting home for it — after a bidding war that followed a lengthy standing ovation at its Cannes premiere in the festival’s Un Certain Regard section. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026

Paige Cronin fired a powerful shot, but Wave goalkeeper Sandra Paños made a diving, one-handed save that drew a loud ovation from the crowd. — Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 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
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

ovation

noun

ova·​tion ō-ˈvā-shən 

: a public expression of praise : enthusiastic applause