ovation

[oh-vey-shuhn]

noun

1. an enthusiastic public reception of a person, marked especially by loud and prolonged applause.

2. Roman History.,  the ceremonial entrance into Rome of a commander whose victories were of a lesser degree of importance than that for which a triumph was accorded.

ovation

/ əʊˈveɪʃən /

noun

1. an enthusiastic reception, esp one of prolonged applause

   a standing ovation

2. a victory procession less glorious than a triumph awarded to a Roman general

Other Word Forms

• ovational adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ovation¹

1525–35; < Latin ovātiōn- (stem of ovātiō ) a rejoicing, shouting, equivalent to ovāt ( us ) (past participle of ovāre to rejoice) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of ovation¹

C16: from Latin ovātiō rejoicing, from ovāre to exult

Example Sentences

The baroness gnashed her teeth as if she planned to bite someone, but the ovation grew until she had no choice but to step down and return to her seat at the trustees’ table.

Read more on Literature

But Mr. Thein’s harried, good-humored attempt to keep up with the title cards’ rapid pace brought additional amusement—and a much deserved ovation for his valiant efforts.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Despite critical accolades and, in the case of “Voice,” a record standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival, none of these submissions were able to secure major distributors in the U.S.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There he was Sunday, indomitable as ever, and given a tremendous ovation as he came on stage.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

His summer concerts became civic rituals: families picnicking, fans waving lightsabers in time to “The Imperial March” and Williams emerging each night to ovations more often reserved for rock stars.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acclaim 
• acclamation 
• applause 
• testimonial