Show
/ʃoʊ/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo present or display something to be seen or observed.
/ʃoʊ/
To allow or cause something to be seen; exhibit
The artist will show her paintings at the gallery.
💡 Simply: To make something visible for other people to see, like when you show a picture to your friend, you're showing it to them!
👶 For kids: To let someone see something.
More Examples
Can you show me how to use this app?
The documentary shows the impacts of climate change.
How It's Used
"The museum will show its new exhibit next week."
"They are going to show the movie tonight."
To direct or lead someone to a place or to perform an action.
/ʃoʊ/
To direct someone to a place or thing; guide.
I can show you how to bake a cake.
💡 Simply: When you show someone the way or how to do something.
👶 For kids: To help someone find or do something.
More Examples
The map shows you the fastest route.
How It's Used
"The tour guide showed us around the city."
"Can you show me the way to the library?"
A performance or event presented for entertainment or information.
/ʃoʊ/
An event or performance presented to an audience.
The art show featured works from local artists.
💡 Simply: Like a play, concert, movie, or event that people watch.
👶 For kids: Something fun you watch or go to, like a play or a movie.
More Examples
We saw a magic show last night.
She is the star of the television show.
How It's Used
"The Broadway show was a huge success."
"We visited a car show."
The act of displaying or demonstrating something.
/ʃoʊ/
A demonstration of something
The company gave a show of its new products at the trade fair.
💡 Simply: When you give a demonstration or demonstration to showcase something.
👶 For kids: When you are showing people how to do something.
More Examples
The chef gave a cooking show.
How It's Used
"The scientist gave a show of his new invention."
Synonyms
Demonstrate
Display
Exhibit
Present
Reveal
Direct
Guide
Indicate
Lead
Event
Exhibition
Performance
Presentation
Program
Demonstration
Idioms & expressions
show off
To behave in a way that is intended to impress others.
"He always shows off his new car to his friends."
show up
To arrive at a place.
"He didn't show up for the meeting."
show down
A confrontation or decisive contest.
"The final game was a showdown between the two top teams."
show someone the door
To tell someone to leave a place, usually because you are angry or want them to leave.
"After his rude behavior, the manager showed him the door."
From Old English *sceawian* (to look at, see), related to German *schauen* and Dutch *schouwen*.
Used since Old English, with the basic meaning of 'to look at' and evolving to encompass presentation and demonstration.