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.
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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.
“White Lotus” star Plaza was photographed holding her new baby on Sunday in New York City following Abbott’s final curtain call for the Broadway play “Death of a Salesman,” TMZ reported.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 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
Beyond all that, this curtain call means leaving behind one of TV’s best intergenerational relationships and its most poignant, accurate exploration of the craggy emotional geography of friendships between women.
From Salon ● May 29, 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
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.
