show-off

noun, often attributive

\ ˈshō-ˌȯf

Definition of show-off

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the act of showing off

2 : one that shows off : exhibitionist

show off

verb

Definition of show off (Entry 2 of 2)

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

Other Words from show-off Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about show-off

Keep scrolling for more

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: Verb

Today the feisty furball speeds across the yard to meet curious admirers and enjoys a good back scratch once he's finished showing off his lightning-fast agility. — Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, "Meet Deuce from Kentucky — he might just be the fastest dog on two legs," 11 July 2018 To get Gulfstream executives on board, Forstmann, who died in 2011, needed to show off his royal connections. — NBC News, "Wine and Wimbledon: The personal touch in courting corporate mergers," 10 July 2018 The Astrodome was in just its fourth year of operation and was ready to show off all the bells and whistles for the NBC audience. — Matt Young, Houston Chronicle, "Look back at the Astrodome's All-Star Game 50 years ago," 10 July 2018 The caption to the video used the hashtags, #InMyFeelingsChallenge and #DotheShiggy, which thousands of fans have now adopted to show off their own interpretive dance videos to Drake’s song. — Cady Lang, Time, "Ciara, Odell Beckham Jr. and More Dance to Drake With the 'In My Feelings Challenge'," 9 July 2018 Teneo’s Piccoli ventured, referring to the Fascist dictator who liked to show off his physical fitness. — Washington Post, "Italy’s anti-migrant minister steals partner party’s show," 8 July 2018 The marquee poster features hunky star Aidan Turner, best known for his title role in the TV revival of Poldark, wearing a white singlet all the better to show off his sculpted biceps and cuddling an adorable (living) black pussycat. — Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, "'The Lieutenant of Inishmore': Theater Review," 5 July 2018 Borrego said Hernangomez, who has only attempted 27 NBA 3-pointers in two pro seasons, will look to show off his perimeter skills this week in addition to his post game. — Brendan Marks, charlotteobserver, "Why rookie Miles Bridges could be 'big-time' for Hornets, plus final minicamp notes," 5 July 2018 While González was busy showing off her (very in shape!) body in the mirror of their hotel room, Duhamel was spotted pulling down his pants and turning towards the camera (sans underwear), but a pot stopped a full reveal for the internet. — Rachel Epstein, Marie Claire, "Eiza González Accidentally Posted a Naked Video of Boyfriend Josh Duhamel," 3 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'show-off.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.