First Known Use: 12th century
Dictionary
1show
verb \ˈshō\
: to cause or allow (something) to be seen
: to give information that proves (something)
: to teach (someone) how to do or use something especially by letting that person see you do or use it
showed \ˈshōd\ shown \ˈshōn\ or showedshow·ing
Full Definition of SHOW
transitive verb
1
: to cause or permit to be seen : exhibit <showed pictures of the baby>
2
: to offer for sale <stores were showing new spring suits>
3
: to present as a public spectacle : perform
4
: to reveal by one's condition, nature, or behavior <showed themselves to be cowards>
5
: to give indication or record of <an anemometer shows wind speed>
6
9
10
: to present (an animal) for judging in a show
intransitive verb
1
a : to be or come in view <3:15 showed on the clock> b : to put in an appearance <failed to show>
3
a : to give a theatrical performance b : to be staged or presented
4
a : to appear as a contestant b : to present an animal in a show
5
: to finish third or at least third (as in a horse race)
6
: to exhibit one's artistic work
— show·able \ˈshō-ə-bəl\ adjective
— show one's hand also show one's cards
1
: to display one's cards faceup
2
: to declare one's intentions or reveal one's resources
— show one the door
: to tell someone to get out; also : fire 2b
See show defined for English-language learners
See show defined for kids
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Origin of SHOW
Middle English shewen, showen, from Old English scēawian to look, look at, see; akin to Old High German scouwōn to look, look at, and probably to Latin cavēre to be on one's guard
Related to SHOW
Synonym Discussion of SHOW
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>.
Rhymes with SHOW
beau, blow, bow, bro, Chou, crow, do, doe, dough, floe, flow, foe, fro, froe, glow, go, grow, ho, hoe, jo, Jo, joe, know, lo, low, mho, mot, mow, no, No, O, oh, owe, Poe, pow, pro, rho, roe, row, Rowe, schmo, sew, sloe, slow, snow, so, sow, stow, Stowe, strow, though, throe, throw, toe, tow, trow, whoa, woe, yo
2show
noun, often attributive
: a performance in a theater that usually includes singing and dancing
: a public performance that is intended to entertain people
: a television or radio program
Full Definition of SHOW
1
: a demonstrative display <a show of strength>
2
a archaic : outward appearance b : a false semblance : pretense <made a show of friendship> c : a more or less true appearance of something : sign d : an impressive display <his role as househusband…was purely for show — John Lahr> e : ostentation
3
: chance 2 <gave him a show in spite of his background>
4
: something exhibited especially for wonder or ridicule : spectacle
5
a : a large display or exhibition arranged to arouse interest or stimulate sales <the national auto show> b : a competitive exhibition of animals (as dogs) to demonstrate quality in breeding
6
7
: enterprise, affair <they ran the whole show>
8
: third place at the finish (as of a horse race)
9
often capitalized : the major leagues in baseball —used with the
See show defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SHOW
13th century
Related to SHOW
- Synonyms
- demonstration, display, exhibition, flaunting
SHOW Defined for Kids
1show
verb \ˈshō\
showedshown \ˈshōn\ or showedshow·ing
Definition of SHOW for Kids
1
: to place in sight : display <She showed everyone her pictures.>
2
: reveal 2 <They showed themselves to be cowards.>
3
: to make known <They showed their support.>
4
: to give as appropriate treatment <Show them no mercy.> <Show some respect.>
6
: prove 1 <That shows we're right.>
7
: to lead to a place : direct <I showed them to the door.>
8
: to point out to <Show me where it hurts.>
9
: to be easily seen or noticed <The stain hardly shows.> <Determination showed in her face.>
— show off
: to make an obvious display of a person's own abilities or possessions in order to impress others
— show up
: appear 2 <He didn't show up for work today.>
Synonym Discussion of SHOW
show, exhibit, and parade mean to present something so that it will attract attention. show is used of letting another see or examine. <Show me a picture of your family.> exhibit is used of putting something out for public viewing. <The children exhibited their drawings at the fair.> parade is used of making a great show of something. <Look at them parading their new bikes.>
2show
noun
Definition of SHOW for Kids
1
: a public performance intended to entertain people <a puppet show> <a musical show>
2
: a television or radio program
3
: an event at which things of the same kind are put on display <a fashion show>
4
: a display to make known a feeling or quality <a show of strength> <She answered with some show of alarm.>
5
: an appearance meant to deceive <He made a great show of friendship.>
Medical Dictionary
show
noun \ˈshō\
Medical Definition of SHOW
1
: a discharge of mucus streaked with blood from the vagina at the onset of labor
2
: the first appearance of blood in a menstrual period
Learn More About SHOW
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