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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.

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

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025

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

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 • Oct. 26, 2025

Royal Ballet and Opera said the protest was "completely inappropriate for a curtain call".

From BBC • Jul. 20, 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.