First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1exhibit
verb ex·hib·it \ig-ˈzi-bət\
: to make (a painting, sculpture, etc.) available for people to see
: to show or reveal (something)
Full Definition of EXHIBIT
transitive verb
1
: to submit (as a document) to a court or officer in course of proceedings; also : to present or offer officially or in legal form
2
: to present to view: as a : to show or display outwardly especially by visible signs or actions <exhibited no fear> b : to have as a readily discernible quality or feature <in all cultures we know, men exhibit an aesthetic sense — H. J. Muller> c : to show publicly especially for purposes of competition or demonstration <exhibit a collection of artifacts>
intransitive verb
: to display something for public inspection
— ex·hib·i·tive \-bə-tiv\ adjective
— ex·hib·i·tor \-bə-tər\ noun
— ex·hib·i·to·ry \-bə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective
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Origin of EXHIBIT
Middle English, from Latin exhibitus, past participle of exhibēre, from ex- + habēre to have, hold — more at give
Related to EXHIBIT
Synonym Discussion of EXHIBIT
show, exhibit, display, expose, parade, flaunt mean to present so as to invite notice or attention. show implies no more than enabling another to see or examine <showed her snapshots to the whole group>. exhibit stresses putting forward prominently or openly <exhibit paintings at a gallery>. display emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage <display sale items>. expose suggests bringing forth from concealment and displaying <sought to expose the hypocrisy of the town fathers>. parade implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying <parading their piety for all to see>. flaunt suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading <nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth>.
show, manifest, evidence, evince, demonstrate mean to reveal outwardly or make apparent. show is the general term but sometimes implies that what is revealed must be gained by inference from acts, looks, or words <careful not to show his true feelings>. manifest implies a plainer, more immediate revelation <manifested musical ability at an early age>. evidence suggests serving as proof of the actuality or existence of something <a commitment evidenced by years of loyal service>. evince implies a showing by outward marks or signs <evinced not the slightest fear>. demonstrate implies showing by action or by display of feeling <demonstrated their approval by loud applause>.
show, manifest, evidence, evince, demonstrate mean to reveal outwardly or make apparent. show is the general term but sometimes implies that what is revealed must be gained by inference from acts, looks, or words <careful not to show his true feelings>. manifest implies a plainer, more immediate revelation <manifested musical ability at an early age>. evidence suggests serving as proof of the actuality or existence of something <a commitment evidenced by years of loyal service>. evince implies a showing by outward marks or signs <evinced not the slightest fear>. demonstrate implies showing by action or by display of feeling <demonstrated their approval by loud applause>.
2exhibit
noun
: an object or a collection of objects that have been put out in a public space for people to look at : something shown in an exhibition
: an object that is used as evidence in a court of law
Full Definition of EXHIBIT
1
: a document or material object produced and identified in court or before an examiner for use as evidence
2
: something exhibited
3
: an act or instance of exhibiting : exhibition
See exhibit defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of EXHIBIT
1626
Related to EXHIBIT
- Synonyms
- display, exhibition, expo, exposition, fair, show
EXHIBIT Defined for Kids
1exhibit
verb ex·hib·it \ig-ˈzi-bət\
ex·hib·it·edex·hib·it·ing
Definition of EXHIBIT for Kids
1
: to show by outward signs : reveal <The child exhibited interest in music.>
2
: to put on display <I'm exhibiting my art.>
2exhibit
noun
Definition of EXHIBIT for Kids
1
: an article or collection shown in an exhibition <a museum exhibit>
2
: an object or document presented as evidence in a court of law
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