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

Downey said, teasing the crowd that gave him a standing ovation during his entrance. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026

The Calgary fans gave him a standing ovation during a play stoppage in the middle of the first period. —Daily News, 17 Apr. 2026

In his first-ever CinemaCon stage appearance, Spielberg received a rapturous standing ovation and showed some intriguing Disclosure Day footage which helped lessen some of the box office uncertainty surrounding the title. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2026

Shown on the arena’s video board sporting a huge smile, Haight received a loud ovation when his first goal was announced. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 15 Apr. 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