# ovation

/oʊˈveɪʃən/ (US) · /əʊvˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ovation
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. enthusiastic applause

noun · CEFR B2

a long period of loud clapping by an audience to show great approval.

For teachers: prolonged and enthusiastic applause by an audience as a sign of approval or appreciation.

- The pianist received a standing ovation after her incredible performance.
- The speaker's final remarks were met with a thunderous ovation that lasted for several minutes, reflecting the audience's deep resonance with the message.

### 2. ancient Roman ceremony

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

a smaller parade in ancient Rome to celebrate a general's victory.

For teachers: a minor victory ceremony in ancient Rome, granted to a general whose success did not meet the requirements for a full triumph.

- The general was granted an ovation rather than a full triumph for his victory.
- Historians note that while a triumph involved a chariot and laurel crown, an ovation was a more modest affair where the general entered the city on foot.

## Examples

- The pianist received a long ovation after the final song.
- The speaker's moving tribute to the retiring teacher earned her a thunderous ovation from everyone in the hall.
- While the play received mixed reviews from critics, the lead actor's final monologue was met with a spontaneous standing ovation that lasted several minutes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.