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
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
When the two men finished with Burnett, Canoni returned to the stage to officially christen U2 as the 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize recipient, and the Cain’s audience responded with a final ovation.
—
Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2025
For almost three hours, at the invitation-only ceremony, the three inductees were celebrated with words, song and ovations in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s intimate CMA Theater.
—Nancy Kruh, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
The standing ovation for Sullivan’s save mattered.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2025
Farrell, who is retiring after 13 seasons, entered Saturday’s game as a 71st-minute substitute to a standing ovation.
—Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ovation
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Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2025
For almost three hours, at the invitation-only ceremony, the three inductees were celebrated with words, song and ovations in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s intimate CMA Theater.
—Nancy Kruh, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
The standing ovation for Sullivan’s save mattered.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2025
Farrell, who is retiring after 13 seasons, entered Saturday’s game as a 71st-minute substitute to a standing ovation.
—Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ovation
noun
ova·tion
ō-ˈvā-shən
: a public expression of praise : enthusiastic applause
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