ovation

noun

ova·​tion ō-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce ovation (audio)
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

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
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.
As he was driven away, Matthews raised a thumbs-up to the crowd, drawing an ovation from USC fans and a huddle of his Spartans teammates, who circled together in support before returning to the sideline. Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025 After they were eliminated, the capacity crowd gave the team a standing ovation. Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025 Fans gave her around a 20-second ovation. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2025 Cohen enthusiastically replied, before giving her a high five and a standing ovation, shortly followed by guest Mark Ronson, who also stood to applaud Brooks. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ovation

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ovation was in 1533

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ovation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ovation. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

ovation

noun
ova·​tion ō-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce ovation (audio)
: a public expression of praise : enthusiastic applause

More from Merriam-Webster on ovation

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