Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

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.

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

Raleigh rounded the bases, then took a curtain call in front of an ecstatic crowd that included his parents, Todd and Stephanie Raleigh.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 25, 2025

Though September may be the final curtain call for the gallery, Dunleavy hasn’t given up.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 7, 2025

She doesn’t return for a bow or a curtain call or an encore.

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz

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.