Display

/dɪˈspleɪ/

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonAction
4 meanings2 idioms/phrases4 questions

Definitions

4 meanings
1

To put something in a place where people can see it; to show or exhibit something.

/dɪˈspleɪ/

verbneutralBeginner
Action

To show or exhibit something.

The artist will display their paintings at the gallery.

💡 Simply: Imagine you have a cool toy. Displaying it is like showing it off for everyone to see! It’s a way to show something to other people.

👶 For kids: To show something so other people can see it.

More Examples

2

The software displays the data in a clear format.

3

The shopkeeper displayed the jewelry in the window.

How It's Used

Technology

"The new phone displays the time and date on its screen."

Art

"The museum displayed a collection of ancient artifacts."

2

An arrangement of objects to show them or a collection of things that are shown.

/dɪˈspleɪ/

nounneutralBeginner
Object

Something shown or exhibited.

The museum has a fascinating display of ancient pottery.

💡 Simply: Imagine a beautiful collection of things arranged for everyone to admire. That's a display! It's a presentation, like the way a shop shows off its goods.

👶 For kids: When you show something pretty or cool to everyone, that's a display!

More Examples

2

The store created an eye-catching holiday display.

3

The bird's mating display involved elaborate dances and songs.

How It's Used

Retail

"The store had an attractive display of seasonal items."

Nature

"The peacock's display of its feathers was stunning."

Tip:Visualize a shop window: the *display* is the arrangement itself.
3

To show a particular feeling or quality.

/dɪˈspleɪ/

verbneutralmedium
Action

To show a feeling or quality.

The team displayed excellent teamwork during the game.

💡 Simply: When you show something, like your feelings or a certain skill, it's called displaying. For example, when you show your emotions, you are displaying how you feel.

👶 For kids: To show how you feel or what you're good at.

More Examples

2

The detective displayed a sharp intellect in solving the mystery.

3

The employee's display of creativity impressed her supervisor.

How It's Used

Behavior

"She displayed great courage in the face of danger."

Communication

"His face displayed a look of utter confusion."

Tip:Think of showing your feelings, like *displaying* your happiness.
4

A public exhibition or demonstration.

/dɪˈspleɪ/

nounneutralmedium
Event

A public exhibition or demonstration, especially one that shows skill or strength.

The team performed a victory display after winning the championship.

💡 Simply: Imagine a big show or exhibition where people can see something amazing. It's a display of skill, strength, or beauty.

👶 For kids: A show where people show off what they can do, like a magic show or a sports game.

More Examples

2

The festival featured a vibrant display of cultural performances.

3

The parade included a magnificent display of floats and costumes.

How It's Used

Military

"The air force put on a stunning aerial display."

Sports

"The gymnast's performance was a remarkable display of skill and athleticism."

Tip:Think about a public show, like a fireworks *display*.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

on display

Visible or being shown for people to see.

"The antique car was on display at the museum."

display of power

An act meant to show someone is dominant or in control

"The military staged a display of power to intimidate the enemy."

From Middle English *displaie*, from Old French despleier ('to unfold, spread out'), from *des-* ('un-') + *pleier* ('to fold'), from Latin *plicare*.

The word 'display' has been used in the sense of 'to unfold' or 'to spread out' since the 14th century. It evolved to its modern meanings of showing or exhibiting.

Memory tip

Think of a shop window; the items are *displayed* to attract customers.

Word Origin

LanguageOld French
Original meaning

"to unfold, spread out"

on displaya display ofto display somethingdisplay cabinetdisplay screen

Common misspellings

displydispay

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written