curtain call
Americannoun
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the appearance of the performers at the conclusion of a theatrical or other performance in response to the applause of the audience.
-
each individual appearance of a performer at the end of a performance in response to prolonged applause.
noun
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.
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
Kwon’s sentencing is a curtain call for the brash entrepreneur who was among the loudest and most influential cheerleaders for digital currencies during the 2021-22 crypto boom.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025
After more hugs with coaches and teammates in the dugout, he reemerged into view for a raucous curtain call.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2025
I heard my name for another curtain call.
From "The Wednesday Wars" by Gary D. Schmidt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
