Did you know?

Click any word in a definition or example to find the entry for that word

show

 - definition
Close

What are red words?

90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing. These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are more frequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.

Close

Thesaurus

The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.

more
noun American English pronunciation: show /ʃoʊ/ 
Word Forms
Close
singularshow
pluralshows
  1. 1
    [countable] a performance, especially in a theater

    She had tickets to see the new show at the Winter Garden.

    The show features three new actors in the main roles.

    the show opens (=appears for the first time):

    She walked out three days before the show was due to open.

    steal the show (=be the most impressive performer):

    Tonight the featured actor stole the show, making the audience forget the star.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  showThesaurus entry for this meaning of show
    1. a.
      a television or radio program

      It’s the funniest comedy show on television.

      host/present a show:

      I listened to a National Public Radio show hosted by Garrison Keillor.

      a game show (=in which people answer questions and win prizes):

      They spend their days watching game shows.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  showThesaurus entry for this meaning of show
    2. b.
      an exhibit

      a fashion/flower show

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  showThesaurus entry for this meaning of show
    3. c.
      informal any type of event or occasion

      The interview turned out to be quite a show.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  showThesaurus entry for this meaning of show
  2. 2
    [singular] something that you do in order to make people realize what your opinions or intentions are
    a show of force/strength:

    The attack was clearly intended as a show of force.

    In a rare show of unity, both Catholic and Protestant leaders appeared together at yesterday’s peace rally.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  showThesaurus entry for this meaning of show
    1. a.
      [singular/uncountable] an occasion when you pretend to have particular feelings
      put on/make a show of something:

      They made a show of affection for the sake of the children.

      for show (=in order to give a false appearance):

      The kisses and warm words were clearly just for show.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  showThesaurus entry for this meaning of show

phrases

This is the American English definition of show. View British English definition of show.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

 

vocal fry

a speech habit in which a speaker lowers their voice at the end of a sentence

BuzzWord Article

Word of the Day Word of the Day

zeugma

the use of a word twice in the same sentence but with different meanings. The sentence ‘She...

Open Dictionary

conflict mineral

a mineral which is mined in a place where there is armed conflict, and sold to help pay for weapons

add a word

Blog

A must for anyone with an interest in the changing face of language. The Macmillan Dictionary blog explores English as it is spoken around the world today.

global English and language change from our blog