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

The proposal also caught the attention of bystanders along the Riverwalk, who joined the ovation — turning the private moment into a joyful public celebration. —Seth Carnell, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026

Four of their own are council members and the two up for reelection — Eunisses Hernandez and Hugo Soto-Martínez — received standing ovations after their impassioned speeches. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026

Chock and Bates were welcomed by the loudest ovation of any competitors. —Andrew Greif, NBC news, 6 Feb. 2026

Ukraine’s athletes were also greeted with a rousing ovation. —Sean Gregory, Time, 6 Feb. 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