ovation

noun

ova·​tion ō-ˈvā-shən 

1

: 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

2

: an expression or demonstration of popular acclaim especially by enthusiastic applause

received a standing ovation

Synonyms

• 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

As Verlander walked off the mound, he was greeted with a raucous standing ovation. —Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025

The film received a 13-minute standing ovation. —Andrew McGowan, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025

Her comments prompted a standing ovation from European lawmakers. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025

The historical musical drama earned a 15-minute standing ovation after the screening — the longest of any film at this year's event, surpassing the 13 minutes of applause given to Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025

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 1

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