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 Testament of Ann Lee star received a 15-minute standing ovation at the Venice International Film Festival for her performance as the founder and leader of the Shakers, Ann Lee.
—
Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Ham, the two-time Pro Bowl pick who has played all 10 seasons in the NFL for his home-state team, received several ovations from the crowd with the possibility this was his final game.
—CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
McKillop received another loud ovation.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 31 Dec. 2025
The food—served to classical music, an ode to the classics played 24/7 at Fawn Bluff’s greenhouse—was worthy of a standing ovation.
—Katie Nanton, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ovation
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Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026
Ham, the two-time Pro Bowl pick who has played all 10 seasons in the NFL for his home-state team, received several ovations from the crowd with the possibility this was his final game.
—CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
McKillop received another loud ovation.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 31 Dec. 2025
The food—served to classical music, an ode to the classics played 24/7 at Fawn Bluff’s greenhouse—was worthy of a standing ovation.
—Katie Nanton, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ovation
Cite this Entry
“Ovation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ovation. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ovation
noun
ova·tion
ō-ˈvā-shən
: a public expression of praise : enthusiastic applause
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