What does "ovation" mean?
A victory ceremony of less importance than a triumph.
Ovation
/[ə(ʊ)ˈveɪ.ʃn̩]/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A victory ceremony of less importance than a triumph.
- Grammar: ovation is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: acclaim, acclaim, acclamation, anniversaries.
- Useful contrasts: boos, disapproval, opposition.
- Usage evidence: The cast was given a standing ovation.
How to use "ovation"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "ovation" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "ovation" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "ovation" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "ovation" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "ovation" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "acclaim" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "ovation", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A victory ceremony of less importance than a triumph. Ancient-Rome
"Triumph, a Solemn Honour done to Generals after great Victories, receiving them into Town with Publick Acclamations; there were two ſorts among the Romans; the Great, that was ſimply called Tr[i]umph; and the Little called, Ovation; […] [I]t was by Special Priviledge that L. Cornelius Lentulus, Proconſul, was admitted to this Honour of an Ovation, in 553. […]"
- 2 The act of laying eggs. obsolete, rare, uncountable
"[The ichneumon wasp] drops an egg. She next seeks out a small green caterpillar inhabiting the leaves of the cabbage-plant, which she punctures with her sting, yet so slightly and delicately as not to kill it; she then rolls it up into a circle, and places it in the sandy nest, immediately over the egg. She continues the same labour till she has counted twelve, and deposited twelve caterpillars, one over another; and thus repeats the process of ovation and supply, till she has exhausted herself of her entire stock of eggs."
- 3 enthusiastic recognition (especially one accompanied by loud applause) wordnet
- 4 A (ceremony for the) recognition of some achievement. broadly
"Proceede then in your bleſt Inauguration, / And celebrate this Annuall Ovation; / Whilſt you nor this way, nor to that way leane, / But ſhunne th' extreames, to keepe the golden meane."
- 5 Prolonged enthusiastic applause. broadly
"First things first – everyone at Southampton enjoyed a thrilling Euro 2020 qualifier that led to a rousing ovation for both sides at the conclusion of England's chaotic 5-3 victory."
Verb
- 1 To give (someone) an ovation (prolonged enthusiastic applause). ambitransitive, informal, rare
Antonyms
Example
"The cast was given a standing ovation."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "ovation"?
Common synonyms include: acclaim, acclaim, acclamation, anniversaries, anniversary, applause.
How do you use "ovation" in a sentence?
The cast was given a standing ovation.
How do you pronounce "ovation"?
Pronounced /[ə(ʊ)ˈveɪ.ʃn̩]/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Learned borrowing from Latin ovātiōnem.
Etymology 2
From Late Latin ovatio (“egg-laying”) + English -ion (suffix indicating an action or process, or the result of an action or process). Ovatio is derived from ovāre (“to lay eggs”), from Latin ōvum (“egg”) (possibly ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₂ew- (“dress; to be dressed, clothe oneself”)) + -āre.