v.
(past part. shown or showed)
- be, allow, or cause to be visible.
▸exhibit or produce for inspection.
▸present (a film or television programme) on a screen for viewing.
▸represent or depict in art.
▸
(show oneself or one's face)
allow oneself to be seen; appear in public.
▸
(also show up)
informal arrive for an appointment or at a gathering.
- allow (a quality, emotion, or characteristic) to be perceived; display.
▸accord or treat someone with (a specified quality).
▸informal (of a woman) be visibly pregnant.
- demonstrate or prove.
▸explain or demonstrate something to.
▸conduct or lead:
show them in, please.
- N. Amer. finish third or in the first three in a race.
n.
- a spectacle or display.
- a play or other stage performance, especially a musical.
▸a light entertainment programme on television or radio.
▸an event or competition involving the public display of animals, plants, or products.
▸
informal an undertaking, project, or organization:
I run the show.
- an outward appearance or display of a quality or feeling.
▸
(often in phr. for show)
an outward display intended to give a false impression.
▸a ludicrous spectacle:
don't make a show of yourself.
- Medicine a discharge of blood and mucus from the vagina at the onset of labour or menstruation.
- US & Austral./NZ informal an opportunity or chance.
Phrase
- all over the show
another way of saying all over the place (see all). - get the show on the road
informal begin an undertaking or enterprise. - good
(or bad or poor)
show!
Brit. informal, dated used to express approval (or disapproval or dissatisfaction). - have something
(or nothing)
to show for
have a (or no) visible result of (one's work or experience). - on show
being exhibited. - show cause
Law produce satisfactory grounds for application of (or exemption from) a procedure or penalty. - show (someone) a clean pair of heels
informal run away from (someone) extremely fast. - show someone the door
dismiss or eject someone. - show one's hand
(or cards)
disclose one's plans. - show of force
a demonstration of the forces at one's command and of one's readiness to use them. - show of hands
a vote by the raising of hands. - show one's teeth
Brit. use one's power or authority in an aggressive or intimidating way. - show willing
Brit. display a willingness to help.
Phrase verbal
- show something forth
archaic exhibit something. - show off
informal boastfully display one's abilities or accomplishments. - show something off
display something that is a source of pride. - show out
Bridge reveal that one has no cards of a particular suit. - show someone round
(or chiefly N. Amer. around)
point out interesting features in a place or building to someone.
- show someone/thing up
- expose someone or something as being bad or faulty.
-
(show someone up)
informal embarrass or humiliate someone.
Etymology
OE scēawian ‘look at, inspect’, from a W. Gmc base meaning ‘look’.