show
noun
1
: an act or instance of showing or displaying something
voted by a show of hands
: as
a
: a demonstrative display
a show of military strength
Thousands gathered in a show of support.
b
: an outward demonstration or sign (as of one's feelings)
a show of affection
bowed in a show of respect
also
: pretense
made a show of friendship
His sympathy is all show.
Her outrange was purely for show. [=was not genuine]
c
: a display intended to impress
doesn't make a show of her abilities
… the jars of preserves lining the shelves aren't just for show. [=they are meant to be used]—
Kosa Monteith
Kosa Monteith2
archaic
: outward appearance
… their suspicion that the wizard, with all his show of manly beauty, was really an aged and wizened figure …—Nathaniel Hawthorne
Nathaniel Hawthorne3
: chance sense 2
gave him a show in spite of his lack of experience
4
: something exhibited especially for wonder or ridicule : spectacle
a carnival show
5
a
: a large display or exhibition arranged to arouse interest or stimulate sales
the national auto show
Her paintings are on show at the gallery.
b
: a competitive exhibition of animals (such as dogs) to demonstrate quality in breeding
6
a
: a theatrical presentation
a Broadway show
b
: a regularly distributed program (as on radio, television, or the Internet)
She likes to watch "Unwrapped," a Food Network show that goes behind the scenes in the food industry.—Ashley Barron
Ashley BarronA month ago, the only podcast was "Trade Secrets," a daily news and technology talk show co-hosted by podcasting's pioneers: former MTV VJ Adam Curry and software developer Dave Winer.—Wayne Glowka et al.
Wayne Glowka et al.
also
: a single episode of such a program
I've got time to watch one more show. —Michael Schneider
Michael Schneider
c
: a public performance
The band put on a good show.
7
: enterprise, affair
—usually used in the phrase run the show
The bean counters are running the show. [=are in charge]—Walter Kiechel III
Walter Kiechel III8
: third place at the finish (as of a horse race)
9
often Show
: the major leagues in baseball
—used with the
Examples of show in a Sentence
She was the star of the show.
The band always puts on a good show.
a show of his early paintings
Recent Examples on the Web
What’s fun about the Love Island USA challenges is the complex set designs and costumes all around a theme that isn’t entirely necessary but adds to the overall campiness of the show.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 9 June 2026
The show is currently in production and is scheduled to premiere sometime next year.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 9 June 2026
Inside, Scandinavian design elements steal the show.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 9 June 2026
The throwback elements of Rush’s show – the zigzagging colored lasers, the bursts of pyro that momentarily stunned with their booms, the gratification of watching musicians so focused on their music that running around the stage was not an option – reminded of a simpler era of concert-going.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for show
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 9 June 2026
The show is currently in production and is scheduled to premiere sometime next year.
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 9 June 2026
Inside, Scandinavian design elements steal the show.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 9 June 2026
The throwback elements of Rush’s show – the zigzagging colored lasers, the bursts of pyro that momentarily stunned with their booms, the gratification of watching musicians so focused on their music that running around the stage was not an option – reminded of a simpler era of concert-going.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for show
Cite this Entry
“Show.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/show. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
show
1 of 2 verb
showed; shown
ˈshōn 
or showed; showing
or showed; showing
1
: to place in sight : present so as to be seen
2
: reveal sense 2
showed strong feeling
3
: to give from or as if from a position of authority
we'll show them no mercy
4
: teach sense 1, instruct
showed me a few chords on the guitar
5
: prove sense 2a
that shows we're right
6
: to give indication or record of
his grades show some improvement
7
: usher entry 2 sense 1, guide
showed them to a seat
8
: to be noticeable
the patch hardly shows
the determination showed in her face
9
: to present (an animal) for judging in a show
10
: to be third or at least third (as in a horse race)
show
2 of 2 noun1
: a display made for effect
a show of strength
2
a
: a false outward appearance
made a show of friendship
b
: a true indication : sign
a show of reason
3
: a ridiculous spectacle
4
: an entertainment or exhibition especially by performers (as on TV or the stage)
5
: a competitive exhibition (as of animals) to demonstrate quality
6
: third place at the finish (as of a horse race)
Medical Definition
show
noun1
: a discharge of mucus streaked with blood from the vagina at the onset of labor
2
: the first appearance of blood in a menstrual period
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
