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.
Another actress, Lesley Manville, also complained after someone filmed the actors while they were taking their bows during a curtain call after the performance had ended.
From BBC ● Jun. 23, 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
Cora took a curtain call from the Dodger Stadium crowd and Scully said, “Yeah take a bow, Alex! You deserve it and then some!”
From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 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 curtain call, we linger in the lobby, waiting for the actors to come out.
From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli
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.
