show-off

1 of 2

noun

ˈshō-ˌȯf 

often attributive

1

: the act of showing off

2

: one that shows off : exhibitionist

show-offy

ˈshō-ˌȯ-fē 

adjective

show off

2 of 2

verb

showed off; shown off or showed off; showing off; shows off

transitive verb

: to display proudly

wanted to show our new car off

intransitive verb

: to seek to attract attention by conspicuous behavior

boys showing off for the girls

Synonyms

Verb

• act up
• clown (around)
• cut up
• fool around
• horse around
• hotdog
• monkey (around)
• showboat
• skylark

Examples of show-off in a Sentence

Verb

the athletes warmed up, happily showing off for the crowd before the match officially started

she just wants to show off her new jewelry

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Otherwise, this is a visually stunning chassis that will satisfy patient-building component show-offs. —PCMAG, 1 Mar. 2025

Feast On Local Delights In Fort-de-France, welcoming local food shacks and easy-going eateries reign, offering simple but delicious and affordable eats that show-off the region’s best recipes. —Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025

Verb

The country star turned heads in a strapless black gown with a keyhole cutout on her chest and torso, which showed off her toned abs. —Lori A Bashian Fox News, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025

The two greet each other with a hug, showing off the series’ cutting-edge duplicative Josh special effects. —Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1750, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for show-off

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff

Kids Definition

show-off

1 of 2 noun

ˈshō-ˌȯf

1

: the act of showing off

2

: a person who shows off

show off

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)shō-ˈȯf

1

: to display proudly

2

: to try to attract attention by conspicuous behavior