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.
-
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.
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
Oloyede is so adept at differentiating the various male characters he plays that I was shocked that there was only one male actor at the curtain call.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2025
Erivo brought composer Andrew Lloyd Webber onto the stage as a special guest during curtain call.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 2, 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.
