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

By far the biggest reaction — a standing ovation and roar of approval — was when Emily Gregory was introduced. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026

Trump’s campaign used footage of the raucous ovation to help launch its TikTok account. —Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026

The play — with Jon Bernthal in the role that Al Pacino played in 1975 — got a standing ovation. —Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2026

Trump's campaign used footage of the raucous ovation to help launch its TikTok account. —ABC News, 28 Mar. 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