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

Kraft took a lap around the Nitschke practice field before practice and received a loud ovation from the crowd. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Rick Moranis received a standing ovation Friday at San Diego Comic-Con, where the long-dormant actor was part of a panel promoting the upcoming Spaceballs sequel. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 25 July 2026

Jimmie Vaughan & The Tilt-A-Whirl Band kicked the evening off in style, followed by the legendary Lucinda Williams who earned a standing ovation. — Raj Tawney, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026

In more ways than most of us will ever understand, that ovation must have felt good after all the drama that has surrounded Skubal in the months, weeks and days leading up to Friday night’s start. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 25 July 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