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
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
The fans treated Wheeler to a loud ovation, despite the pitcher’s streak of 53 consecutive starts with at least five innings pitched ending.
—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
Roberts doffed his cap in gratitude for a spirited postgame ovation from the fans here, almost all of them Dodgers fans.
—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
For Toronto, the ovations served as a reminder that while roster turnover is inevitable in Major League Baseball, players who leave a lasting impact on a franchise can be remembered more fondly than some others.
—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
The ovation that erupted when Guzelimian walked out to introduce the festival’s closing concert was a fitting acknowledgment that golden-age concerts do not happen by themselves.
—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ovation
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
Roberts doffed his cap in gratitude for a spirited postgame ovation from the fans here, almost all of them Dodgers fans.
—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2026
For Toronto, the ovations served as a reminder that while roster turnover is inevitable in Major League Baseball, players who leave a lasting impact on a franchise can be remembered more fondly than some others.
—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
The ovation that erupted when Guzelimian walked out to introduce the festival’s closing concert was a fitting acknowledgment that golden-age concerts do not happen by themselves.
—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ovation
Cite this Entry
“Ovation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ovation. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ovation
noun
ova·tion
ō-ˈvā-shən
: a public expression of praise : enthusiastic applause
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
