show (shō) v.
showed, shown (shōn) or showed, show·ing, shows
v.
tr.
To cause or allow to be seen; display.
To display for sale, in exhibition, or in competition: showed her most recent paintings.
To demonstrate by reasoning or procedure: showed that the hypothesis was wrong; a film that showed how to tune a piano.
To demonstrate to by reasoning or procedure; inform or prove to: showed him how to fix the camera; showed her that it could really happen.
To conduct; guide: showed them to the table.
To direct one's attention to; point out: show them the biggest squash in the garden.
To manifest (an emotion or condition, for example); reveal: showed displeasure at his remark; a carpet that shows wear.
To permit access to (a house, for example) when offering for sale or rent.
To reveal (oneself) as in one's behavior or condition: The old boat showed itself to be seaworthy.
To indicate; register: The altimeter showed that the plane was descending.
To demonstrate by reasoning or procedure: showed that the hypothesis was wrong; a film that showed how to tune a piano.
To demonstrate to by reasoning or procedure; inform or prove to: showed him how to fix the camera; showed her that it could really happen.
To grant; bestow: showed no mercy to the traitors.
Law To plead; allege: show cause.
v.
intr.
To be or become visible or evident.
Slang To make an appearance; show up: didn't show for her appointment.
To be exhibited publicly: What's showing at the movie theater tonight?
To give a performance or present an exhibition.
Sports To finish third or better in a horserace or dog race.
n.
A display; a manifestation: made a show of strength.
A trace or indication, as of oil in a well.
The discharge of bloody mucus from the vagina indicating the start of labor.
The first discharge of blood in menstruation.
A striking appearance or display; a spectacle.
A pompous or ostentatious display.
A public exhibition or entertainment.
An exposition for the display or demonstration of commercial products: an auto show.
A usually competitive exhibition of domestic animals: won first place at the cat show.
A radio or television program.
A movie.
A theatrical troupe or company.
A false appearance; a pretense: only a show of kindness.
A striking appearance or display; a spectacle.
A pompous or ostentatious display.
A public exhibition or entertainment.
An exposition for the display or demonstration of commercial products: an auto show.
A usually competitive exhibition of domestic animals: won first place at the cat show.
A radio or television program.
A movie.
A theatrical troupe or company.
Display or outward appearance: This antique tea service is just for show. His smile was for show.
A public exhibition or entertainment.
An exposition for the display or demonstration of commercial products: an auto show.
A usually competitive exhibition of domestic animals: won first place at the cat show.
A radio or television program.
A movie.
A theatrical troupe or company.
A radio or television program.
A movie.
A theatrical troupe or company.
Informal An affair or undertaking: ran the whole show.
Sports Third place at the finish, as in a horserace.
To be clearly visible.
To put in an appearance; arrive.
To expose or reveal the true character or nature of: showed their efforts up as a waste of time.
Informal To surpass, as in ability or intelligence.
Phrasal Verb(s): show offTo display or behave in an ostentatious or conspicuous way. show up
To be clearly visible.
To put in an appearance; arrive.
To expose or reveal the true character or nature of: showed their efforts up as a waste of time.
Informal To surpass, as in ability or intelligence.
Idiom(s):
get the show on the road Slang To get started.
Idiom(s):
show (one's) hand
Games To display one's cards with faces up.
To state one's intentions or reveal one's resources, especially when previously hidden.
Idiom(s):
show (one's) heelsTo depart from quickly; flee.
Idiom(s):
show (someone) a good timeTo occupy (someone) with amusing things; entertain.
[Middle English sheuen, shouen, from Old English scēawian, to look at, display.]
Synonyms: These verbs mean to present something to view. Show is the most general: "She hated to show her feelings" (John Galsworthy). Display often suggests an attempt to present something to best advantage: The dealer spread the rug out to display the pattern. Expose usually involves uncovering something or bringing it out from concealment: The excavation exposed a staggering number of artifacts. The term can often imply revelation of something better left concealed: Your comment exposes your insensitivity. Parade usually suggests a pretentious or boastful presentation: "He early discovered that, by parading his unhappiness before the multitude, he produced an immense sensation" (Thomas Macaulay). Exhibit implies open presentation that invites inspection: "The works of art, by being publicly exhibited and offered for sale, are becoming articles of trade" (Prince Albert). Flaunt implies an unabashed, prideful, often arrogant display: "Every great hostelry flaunted the flag of some foreign potentate" (John Dos Passos). See Also Synonyms at appear.