exhibitionism

noun

ex·​hi·​bi·​tion·​ism ˌek-sə-ˈbi-shə-ˌni-zəm 

1

a

: a perversion in which sexual gratification is obtained from the indecent exposure of one's genitals (as to a stranger)

b

: an act of such exposure

2

: the act or practice of behaving so as to attract attention to oneself

exhibitionist

ˌek-sə-ˈbi-sh(ə-)nist 

noun or adjective

exhibitionistic

ˌek-sə-ˌbi-shə-ˈni-stik 

adjective

exhibitionistically

ˌek-sə-ˌbi-shə-ˈni-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of exhibitionism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The film also dives into the jaw-dropping places that his impulse toward performance-art media exhibitionism led him to. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 July 2024

The lack of dramatic clarity is a trendy form of incoherent exhibitionism. — Armond White, National Review, 3 Jan. 2025

Johnson grimaced, and a bizarre new era of live celebrity psychedelic exhibitionism was born—one that is arguably counter to the introspective nature of the drug. — Mattha Busby, Wired News, 2 Dec. 2025

Babe, that’s cosmic exhibitionism. — Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 12 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for exhibitionism

• absolutism
• adventurism
• aestheticism
• africanism
• agnosticism
• alcoholism
• anachronism
• anglicanism
• antagonism
• arianism
• asceticism
• astigmatism

Medical Definition

exhibitionism

noun

ex·​hi·​bi·​tion·​ism ˌek-sə-ˈbish-ə-niz-əm 

1

a

: a perversion marked by a tendency to indecent exposure

b

: an act of such exposure

2

: the act or practice of behaving so as to attract attention to oneself