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

In an event that lasted three hours and ended with an extended standing ovation, both Democrats and Republicans stood to praise Looney as a wise colleague who understood the history of the institution of the state legislature. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 28 May 2026

In true Cannes fashion, expect a 20-minute standing ovation at the show’s premiere. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 May 2026

The audience gave him a standing ovation. —Time, 27 May 2026

The actress shared the news after the film received an extended standing ovation during its Cannes premiere at the Grand Théâtre Lumière, the outlet reported. —Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 26 May 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