curtain call

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

noun

1. the appearance of performers at the end of a theatrical performance to acknowledge applause

Word History and Origins

Origin of curtain call¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The performance I attended left O’Connell in tears during the curtain call.

From Time

For every suavely served up “Hamilton” on Disney Plus, there are a dozen wooden videos that prompt you to log off well before the curtain call.

From Washington Post

After Mary walks off the set and the lights dim, the cast returns for a curtain call.

From The Daily Beast

No big surprise In 2nd, Mr. Moralize But who should take a curtain call?

From The Daily Beast

My father did not want the audience leaving with such a sad feeling so he orchestrated a curtain call of gradual, joyful clapping.

From The Daily Beast

When you took your curtain call the other night there was such a look of innocence and gratitude on your face.

From The Daily Beast

You are a gentleman at the end of each performance and give Bebe Neuwirth the final curtain call.

From The Daily Beast

The flowers that she carried when she answered the final curtain-call, curiously enough, were damask roses and mignonette.

From Project Gutenberg

Again and again Clara Morris took a curtain call with the other actresses.

From Project Gutenberg

While the applause, reaching curtain-call after curtain-call, surged all about him, young Lancaster was lost in rverie.

From Project Gutenberg

It was Murray Grislow who finally rang the curtain call on the prolonged shop-talk.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, after another curtain call, the lights were lowered and the audience began to disperse.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• applause
• ovation