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.

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curtain call British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of curtain call

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Finally, Hawk and West rolled on stage for the show’s curtain call.

From Los Angeles Times

After several curtain calls, Dudamel motioned for the players to leave the stage.

From Los Angeles Times

Copeland’s young son even joined her onstage for the curtain call, a touching reminder of her role as both artist and mother.

From Salon

For most great pitchers, they’d only emerge for a curtain call.

From Los Angeles Times

Standing ovations on Broadway are so common you might imagine the seats have been booby-trapped to eject patrons as the curtain calls begin.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• applause
• ovation