show-off

1 of 2

noun

often attributive
Synonyms of show-offnext
1
: the act of showing off
2
: one that shows off : exhibitionist
show-offy 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
But there’s value to the subtle, occasional mention of an appropriate insider name, a gesture that’s more like a secret handshake than the work of an oafish show-off. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 25 Nov. 2025 Luxury can sometimes be interpreted as someone, who is a show-off. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
There’s a car chase through the countryside that’s all straining steel and revving engines and a sequence in a London nightclub — every action movie apparently needs one — that shows off close-quarter murder beautifully choreographed as clueless dancers sway. Mark Kennedy, Boston Herald, 29 Jan. 2026 Elon Musk is using Sydney Sweeney's likeness to show off the advancement of X's AI. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for show-off

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1750, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of show-off was in 1750

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Show-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/show-off. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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