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Showing results for curtain call. Search instead for Curtain+Call.
Synonyms

curtain call

American  

noun

  1. the appearance of the performers at the conclusion of a theatrical or other performance in response to the applause of the audience.

  2. each individual appearance of a performer at the end of a performance in response to prolonged applause.


curtain call British  

noun

  1. the appearance of performers at the end of a theatrical performance to acknowledge applause

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of curtain call

First recorded in 1880–85


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

This future is not our inevitable curtain call — yet.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 29, 2026

The curtain call will also be played out by Highland folk and electronic band Elephant Sessions, while Scottish singer Shereen Cutkelvin will mark the ceremonial flag handover.

From BBC ● Aug. 1, 2026

In the weeks leading to Thursday's curtain call, 62-year-old Colbert has at times cut a subdued figure, lacking some of his usual cheerful flair.

From Barron's ● May 21, 2026

Her run was supposed to end on May 17, but her final curtain call has shifted to Friday, May 1.

From Salon ● Apr. 30, 2026

She doesn’t return for a bow or a curtain call or an encore.

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz

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