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

“I can tell you there was a standing ovation,” Tan said.

From Los Angeles Times

Gaza film The Voice of Hind Rajab has received a 23-minute standing ovation after its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, thought to be a record.

From BBC

The long, loud ovation was recognition that they had witnessed something special.

From BBC

His popularity was clear to hear on the first tee at Atlanta's East Lake course when he was given a far louder ovation than American Cantlay.

From BBC

With victory assured, Everton manager Moyes took the opportunity to let Grealish enjoy the acclaim of a standing ovation when he was replaced by youngster Harrison Armstrong four minutes into stoppage time.

From BBC

Related Words

• acclaim 
• acclamation 
• applause 
• testimonial