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.
His grin acknowledges the ovation while his hands make quiet-down motions. Steven Levy, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2024 The movie world premiered at the Venice Film Festival and was celebrated by a eight-minute standing ovation. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024 The pop superstar, 34, completed the final of three shows at the Lucas Oil Stadium in the Indiana capital on Nov. 3, where she was met with a more than three-minute standing ovation during the concert from its record-breaking 69,000 attendees inside the stadium. Jack Irvin, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024 The sentence drew a strong ovation from those endeavoring to preserve and protect our wobbling democracy. Mark Z. Barabak, The Mercury News, 11 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near ovation

Cite this Entry

“Ovation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ovation. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!